There was a commotion in the refugee camp. It seemed like the supplies were there. People ran towards the trucks as if their lives depended on it. For a matter of fact, it did. But unlike other days, this time the shutters of trucks didn't open. People had already made a queue anticipating food and water. A military jeep entered the arena and an officer walked out. He scrunched his nose as the air of that camp entered his nostrils. He looked over the crowd of hundreds and all he could deduct was hunger. Those faces were deprived of any color. Those eyes were hungry for answers and probably their stomachs hungrier.

It had been two days since last supply. Those people hadn't eaten in two days. The officer prepared himself to deliver for what he had come in that filthy camp.

"Food is here," He spoke loudly.

"I guess you all are hungry," He added and chuckled.

"We have been feeding you for months now. We have been giving you all what you need. Didn't we?"

His eyes roamed around and found no expressions on those tainted faces. Those people were done with everything.

"But everything comes with a price."

"You want food, you will get food but we need something in return."

He saw small kids licking their lips in anticipation. They needed feed, they weren't in state to want something. He chuckled dryly.

"Look at this paper," He said and showed them a blank paper.

"Sign it today and we will open the shutters of these trucks," He stated as if it was the simplest proposition.

Again a commotion filled the dried air.

"Lay the table," He commanded his soldiers.

People stood there looking at a table and a food truck behind it. One signature on a blank paper didn't mean anything but it could mean selling your soul to the Satan. It could be anything.

Distantly a father left his son's hand and walked to the commander. His eyes were dry and spirit even drier. He took the pen and signed the blank paper. A burden clenched his chest but he could feel his feet getting lighter. He walked to the food supply truck and took whatever he wanted for his son. Turning around, he saw questioning eyes. A few gathered the courage to follow his footstep and get ration for their families, few still stood perplexed.

In no time, blank papers weren't blank anymore and the food trucks empty.

______________

A scroll stared Nandini's face as she sat in her chair looking at the magnificent view of mountains. Her eyes had the conviction as she looked at that sprawled stroll once again. It had the signatures of the council of the south. Her lips formed a smile as she dived in her chair. In a week, the Councillors were going to be there to discuss the plan of action.

"Time to go," Veer brought her out of her thoughts and she nodded.

Walking out of her office, she followed Veer. They were going to meet a local tribe. They were gathering an army for the upcoming war.

Soon they were on horses being followed by the guards.

"However, they are ready to lend their support to us but talking to you would give them much needed clarity," Veer told her as they entered a rough road which forked into the forest.

Nandini nodded in understanding and looked at the serene beauty of those hilly paths.

Soon they were at the gates of a human colony. Passing by a village, she noticed how people saw her with amusement. Their eyes held no hostility but they didn't know her either. She took a deep breath. She knew she had a task ahead of her. If she wished to lead this war of freedom, she had to step down the aisle in the truest sense. She got off her her horse as Veer waited for her at the doorstep of a small cottage.

___________

"Would you care to explain what are we doing in this market?" Jas asked Manik who had taken him to an uncalled for shopping quest that morning.

"We are shopping, of course," Manik answered and Jas rolled his eyes.

"I am sure they don't sell weapons here," Jas quipped only to earn a glare from Manik.

Manik didn't reply but his eyes kept searching the tight mart. He was looking for someone.

Jas picked up a kitchen knife and was definitely fascinated by its fierce edge. Manik put it down and dragged him further.

"Don't touch anything," He warned Jas and again started to look around.

"If you tell me what are you looking for, I would probably not walk around like a fool," Jas said under his breath.

"People are already staring at us with suspicious," He warned and added, "Look at that lady, I am sure she thinks of us as thieves."

Manik shook his head ignoring Jas's blabbering.

"Go ask that man where can we find the homing pigeons," Manik said to Jas.

"Come on, don't tell me we have been wandering for finding pigeons?" Jas almost yelled and a few eyes caught them instantly.

Manik dragged him in an aloof alley in no time.

"Bringing you along wasn't a bright idea I knew. Keep your mouth shut before you get us both killed," Manik yelled at him.

As they turned around to leave, they saw few shadows enclosing them.

________________________

Nandini and Veer were walking in the garden discussing some urgent matter when Aashi walked to them. Panic was written all over her face. Truth to be told, Nandini was a bit concerned for her these days because the girl had been too anxious over small matters.

"Excuse me?" She tried to be civil but her patience wore off.

"Nandini, Manik and Jas are nowhere to be found. They have been gone for hours. He asked me not to come to you but I am getting worried now," She blurted in one breath.

"Wait, What?" Nandini couldn't gather the pearls in the string.

"Where have they gone and why?" Her voice had disturbance and worry.

"I don't know where they have gone. He was going alone so I begged him to take Jas along," Aashi said nervously.

"I thought he was going to meet Aabid Bhai today," Nandini was perplexed. She didn't understand why would Manik not tell her the truth.

"Calm down, both of you," Veer interrupted.

"There is absolutely no need to be worried. We don't have any kind of peril here. They must be around and would be back by nightfall," He added genuinely.

"No, Veer. Manik would have told me if it wasn't something perilous," Nandini said gravely.

"It's all my fault," Aashi said and Nandini pursed her lips.

"Stop blaming yourself for everything, Aashi," She was stern in her words. She couldn't be caressing Aashi's insecurities any more.

"None of this is your fault and there's nothing to blame anyway," She said firmly.

"I will send my men right away," Veer assured and Nandini nodded.

She saw Veer disappearing in the grey of evening while she held Aashi's hand to lead her to home.

____________________

Word was that last Manik and Jas were seen in the local vegetable market. It was nightfall now. Markets were closed and streets were aloof. Fog had taken the area in its embrace. Nandini adjusted the hood on her head as two horses passed by her. She was out alone without the knowledge of others. She couldn't sit in that mansion anymore when she knew Manik was out there, probably doing something dangerous. Her heart was at peace, she knew he was fine but still she couldn't wait anymore.

Veer and his men were searching for Manik and Jas for hours now. Nandini tried to reason herself that she could wait more but then it turned out to be impossible anymore.

She entered a dark alley and suddenly a fear engulfed her. She felt so unarmed. Lamppost above her head was barely illuminating the area. She looked around and found shadows of everything which didn't move. She sighed deep and headed inside. He had to be somewhere around. Her heart was screeching about it.

Soon she heard footsteps, only the sound as she couldn't see anything in that dark lane anymore. Her heart started to thump so loud. She didn't know where to hide in that one way lane. She tried to turn around her horse but then she wasn't that trained rider yet. She was fumbling with the rein and before she could do anything further, shadows started to move towards her.

"Hurry," She mumbled to her horse. It seemed to understand her inability and turned around on its own in that tight lane. She sped the horse and as they came out from that lane, her horse exerted all its strength to halt. As a reaction, he raised both his forelegs in air and a scream escaped Nandini's lips. She held on to rein tightly, however she felt her head going lighter.

The old horse soon enough found the ground while Nandini too regained her balance. She felt two arms extracting her from the saddle and she didn't have to guess who it was. She was tightly embraced in an arm case where she could hear her own heartbeat.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"Manik," She pushed him lightly to see his face. He looked worried. There was a deep cut on his lip and she could feel the panic in her heart.

"What happened to you?" She asked.

"Nothing. What the hell you are doing here at this hour?" He demanded an answer.

Nandini felt an anger building in her heart. She pushed him away and tried to calm herself.

"You know it's not safe for you to wander alone," He uttered coming closer.

She shook her head at his subtle bipolarity.

"Really?" She asked.

"Where have you been, Manik?" She asked taking a step towards him.

"Do you have any idea how worried sick I was?" She almost yelled.

"You were nowhere to be found," She added.

"Because I didn't want to be found," He stated arrogantly.

Arrogance was his best retaliation anyway.

"I don't understand," She shook her head. All the worry and the fact he concealed things from her, all was urging her to act.

"You lied to me," She shouted yet again.

"I didn't," He answered dangrously. He wasn't liking being asked.

"I just chose not to share," He added just to add fuel to fire.

Jas cleared his throat as he found it apt to inform them both that he was also there.

Nandini looked at him and realized what was going on. She tucked her stray wisps behind her ear and tried to suppress her anger.

"Are you alright, Jas?" She asked.

"Are you?" He asked back.

"I am perfectly fine," She replied but her eyes stabbed Manik. He looked unfazed.

"We should get home. Aashi is worried sick for both of you," She tried to rationalize her angered mind.

"You two go home, I have some work to do," Manik said and turned around to leave.

Nandini didn't realize when her feet worked and she followed him just to hold his hand tight.

"You aren't going anywhere," She commanded, "You are coming home."

Manik gazed her all amused. Her hold was like fire. She was burning in anger. It was a sight to behold.

"Don't test me, Nandini. I have some urgent business to do," He warned her in subdued tone.

"Things can wait. You need to come see Aashi," She was adamant as well.

"She can wait for some more time," He said and freed his wrist from her hold.

She kept staring his withdrawing figure from a veil of her own tears.

She didn't know why he was being ruthless.

"He will be fine," Jas assured and added, "We kind of had a rough day."

He shrugged his shoulders and Nandini couldn't bring a smile on her lips.
_______________________

Nandini was going through her agenda when the knob of door clicked. She knew who it would be. It was late in night and she couldn't sleep. She thought to distract herself by preparing for the upcoming meeting.

His scent touched her nostrils and she inhaled deep. She didn't spare a glance while she assumed that he would be gazing her. For a long time, no one spoke. She had to turn around and see. She saw him laying in her bed all tired and drained. He was sprawled over her bed while his legs were hanging down. He looked distraught. Her heart ached at the scene. She was very much angry at him for pulling the stunt he did.

She got up and walked to him. His eyes were closed and forehead furrowed. His breathing was calculated so she knew that he wasn't asleep.

"Done not talking to me?" He asked sensing her presence.

"I can see who is done not talking, " She taunted and turned around to reach the fireplace where she had been busy in her work.

"There was absolute no need for you to drop by and show your face. My day had almost gone well anyway," She taunted further.

In no time, he was on his feet staring her so earnestly.

"You are angry," He remarked.

"Oh! You noticed," She said all busy in her fake-reading.

She heard him sighing deep and next he was sitting by her knee. His face looked even more distraught in the golden hue of fire.

He kept looking at her intently while she found it hard to keep a straight face.

"I never realized how beautiful you look when you are angry," He said as next thing while tucking the loose wisp behind her ear.

Nandini's lips parted in surprise and more on his audacity.

"You cannot be serious," She murmured and he looked unstirred.

The cut on his upper lip needed attention. Nandini couldn't ignore the blatant fact anymore. She got up and reached for the medical kit in the drawer. He lazily followed her as if had all the time in the world to play around her ire. He knew she was furious over his ordeal.

They stood near the big window where moonlight bathed them through the milky haze. He leaned a bit as she put the antiseptic swabbed cotton on his wound. She hissed as he stood there as a stone as if it didn't burn at all. She didn't even realize when his arms had firmly circled her waist. She tried to get out of his hold and in that struggle, the cotton swab on his lip got pressure on it. He flinched a bit as pain striked. All her struggle halted and she murmured a thousand apologies.

"I am sorry," He whispered over her nose. She stopped talking and stared at his calm face.

"What?" She was amazed. He had never been this simple.

"I won't repeat that I am sorry," He repeated and she kept looking at his face.

"For what?" She wanted to hear.

"For being rude to you back there," He answered and she clicked her lips in annoyance. The struggle continued as she wanted to get out of his clasp and he wanted to hold her ever tighter.

"See, now I want to talk but you aren't in mood," He complained and she shook her head.

"You have been gone all day and returned with a cut on your lip while you lied to me about your whereabouts and you think I would want to talk after this," She said in his face. He looked amused least to say.

"I didn't lie. I just chose to not tell," He corrected her and she resigned.

"When you think you are all right and mighty, why to bother?" She said and stood in his arms motionlessly.

He seemed to sense the tension in her heart so he let go.

She returned to her desk and put the papers back in the file. She was determined not to ask him any further. He clearly didn't want to share. She was feeling pensive for the reason how he again was putting his life on stake and she assumed it was for her yet again.

She went to her bed and laid down. He sighed as he looked at her resigning. He might have told her if she had grilled him further. Apparently his little play didn't end up well.

She felt the mattress dipping and soon his warmth engulfed her. He didn't touch her as he laid there right beside her but she could feel herself all wrapped up in his heat. She commanded herself not to turn around and show him her vulnerable face.

"Someone has been sending pigeons with secret messages," He revealed and she turned around immediately.

"I went to figure out what Aabid is hiding," He added.

"What are you talking about?" She was clueless.

"I don't have much to tell. I am digging into this. That's why I didn't tell you. Look at your face, all of sudden you are looking pale," He said in a grave tone.

She looked bewildered. He kissed her forehead tenderly and and she came out of her thoughts.

"You don't get to put your life at stake just because you have some doubts. There is a way to do things, Manik," She said gravely.

He smiled and the cut on his upper lip got highlighted even more.

"How did this happen?" She asked.

"Apparently one of the pigeons had a knife," He quipped and she hit him on chest lightly.

He finally relaxed and engulfed her in arms tightly. His relaxed sigh made her own heart calm.

"Sleep, princess," He said as he kissed her head numerous times. She held him tightly. He was there, safe and sound in her arms. Nothing else mattered. His ways weren't her favorite ever. She didn't know how to change that without changing the man she loved.

___________________

Aabid sat in his chair drinking his nth drink for the night. He was diving into a feeling which he couldn't name. He could not get Manik's words out of his head.

Few hours back, Manik had visited him and that had started the countdown of his doom.

Manik had discovered his web of lies. He had just started to search for answers and Aabid was sure it wouldn't be long when Manik found out the ugly things he had done.

He held his head in despair. He wasn't proud of the things he had done recently. He was ashamed.

He put another scroll into the fire. There was no way he could hide the dirty secrets for long. But he could still try to prolong the explosion.

He poured himself for wine and drank it in one go.

___________________

Nandini couldn't sleep for long and woke up before dawn broke. She didn't move out of her bed as he was sleeping so peacefully holding her in arms. There weren't many moments of tranquility in his life. She remembered how unsettled he was last night when he talked about his father.

He turned over and slept again. Nandini got up her bed and walked to the big window. It was almost twilight. She gazed the beautiful mountains. She didn't know for how long she could be waking to this peace. Soon they would be walking into a battle and there wouldn't be any day or night thereafter.

She looked at Manik and then at the sunrise. A smile touched her lips as she soaked into the moment. From a week from then, everything was going to change. She would be leading a political front while he would be busy fighting every danger which was going to head her way.

She returned to her bed and laid again. This time her arms embraced his stone built. He flinched but then relaxed. She put her cheek against his back while he held her small hands in his.

____________

Unedited *