This is the one shot written in 2019, when Rakhi and Independence day of India was on the same date.

August 18, 1997

The sound of the wind was melding with the sound of the shaking bus, as it moved on the uneven ground. The chit-chatter inside the bus, on a whole different level. Why would it not be? The joy of returning home, returning to your loved ones could only be known to the ones who have been away from them for a long time. And 6 months for sure is not a short period of time.

The bus carried some of the most important gems of our motherland. They were the soldiers from the XV corps. The army corps responsible for the military actions in the Kashmir Valley. The happiness radiating from each person couldn't be measured.

"Aur Bhai, ab to tu bhi biwi ka gulam ban jaayega." Came the teasing voice of Jeetu. (So man, now you're gonna become a wife slave too.)

"Come on man, after such a difficulty I was able to find someone, who was ready to marry an army man." Aarav said whining a little, trying to stop his friends from teasing him.

"Unlucky girl!! I pity her for she has to marry such a boring guy like you." Said Neil jokingly, nudging Aarav who was sitting besides him with his elbow.

"Don't worry man, I am sure Priya is very lucky to marry such a good guy like you." Came the comforting voice of Yash who was sitting behind Aarav.

There was a chorus of 'yeahs' heard. Soon, the atmosphere of the bus returned to it's usual chit-chatter, with it moving on the rocky road.

The Singh House:

"Neha, uth jaldi!! Tera bhai 6 mahine baad ghar aa raha hai aur tu abhi stak soyi padi hai!" Yelled Neha's mom, while trying to shake her daughter awake.

(Neha, wake up!! Your brother's returning home after around 6 months, and your still sleeping!)

Too lazy to wake up, Neha just covered her head with the quilt, and in a muffled voice said, "Just five more minutes ma, and I would be awake!"

"I better find you awake when I return in a few minutes, warna mujhse bura koi nahi honga." Said Neha's mom warningly and walked out.

(Or else you're gonna face my wrath.)

Excited to see her brother after 6 long months, and a little afraid due to her mother's warning, neha got up. She walked to her bathroom, and after having a relaxing shower and brushing her teeth, got dressed up in her brand new chudidhar. She quickly descended the stairs.

When she entered the living room, the aroma of the freshly brewed Kheer, drew her to the kitchen. She walked into the kitchen and just as she was about to have a spoonful of Kheer she was given a soft hit from the wooden spatula her mother had in her hand.

(Kheer is an Indian sweet dish. It is prepared mostly on special occasions and festivals.)

"You're not allowed to have any of this, before you tie Rakhi. Go wait in the living room." Her mother scolded her and disappointed she walked into the living room. Just as she took a seat on the living room couch, the doorbell went off. Excited Neha practically sprinted to the door, but to her utter disappointment it was just their house help.

(Rakshabandhan is an Indian festival, in which the sisters tie a sacred thread around their brother's wrist, asking them for a promise to always protect them. In return the brothers give gifts or cash to their sisters. The sacred thread is called as Rakhi. Raksha- protection, bandhan- bond.)

She slumped back on the couch frowning, wondering why it's taking her brother so long. She picked up the newspaper from the coffee table, in front of the couch and started going through it. Just as she was halfway there, the bell went off again. Sure, that this time it would be her brother she ran towards the door, and opened it excitedly. And her assumption was true. It was her brother dressed in a simple white t-shirt along with his military pants. His dog tag hanging from the chain around his neck and a duffle bag swung around his shoulder. Just as her eyes caught her brother she threw herself in his embrace.

She wrapped both her hands tightly around his neck. Her brother placed one of his hands on her back rubbing it up and down, while the other was on her head, caressing her hair.

"There, there my annoying little sister. If you don't let go of me now, I would die due to suffocation." Teased her brother, and in that moment Neha realised just how much she missed her brother. His teasing, love, funny antics, everything.

She let go of him and he walked into the house. He placed his duffel bag on the couch and hugged their mother, who had just come out of the kitchen. Seeing her son after such a long time, her eyes welled up.

"Now, don't start all this emotional melodrama. You know how much I hate it!!" Exclaimed Neha's brother dramatically.

Their mother just chuckled.

"Aarav, go and get freshened up, I have made all your favourites, after Neha ties you Rakhi, you could have them." Said Sheetal, Neha and Aarav's mother and obeying his mother's command, Aarav took his duffel bag and walked upstairs.

After around fifteen minutes he returned downstairs. Neha was waiting for him with a 'Pooja ki Thali' in her hand.

(Pooja ki thali is a decorative plate, and it contains kumkum, rice, some type of sweet, a small earthen or brass pot filled with water. Kumkum is a powdery red substance that is generally applied on the forehead.)

Aarav walked and stood in front of neha. From the pot that contained water, with the help of a leaf she poured a few drops into the small bowl that contained kumkum. And then she dipped her right ring finger into that bowl and pressed it on his forehead, between his eyebrows. Then, with the help of her thumb she stretched it a little and after that she took a little amount of rice (uncooked) and stuck it over there.

She then took the beautiful Rakhi and gently tied it around her brother's wrist. After tying she fed him a spoonful of Kheer, and in return he fed her too.

Neha forwarded her hand as if asking for her gift. Aarav laughed and then from his duffle bag took out a beautiful box, Neha excitedly opened the box to find a 'pashmina shawl'. She absolutely loved it and hugged her brother tight.

Their mother who was standing there watching them suddenly teared up, her gaze fell on the photograph hanging on the wall around which had a garland around it. The title below the smiling picture of a man with a big moustache was 'Shaheed Veer Pratap Singh.'

She wiped her tears before her children could notice them and put on a bittersweet smile on her face.

3 days later:

Today was the roka ceremony for Aarav and Priya. All the guests were downstairs, Aarav's friends have just arrived. Neha was in her room getting ready.

After getting dressed in her brand new chudidhar, a pair of jhumkas along with them she walked down the stairs. Everyone present in the living room turned to look at her. Overwhelmed due to all the attention she walked with her head bowed down, but unfortunately she bumped into someone.

She closed her eyes to feel the impact with the ground, but before that somebody wrapped their hands around her waist and caught her. She opened her eyes and they met with a pair of charcoal balack ones.

The person helped her stand steady on her legs and retracted his hands. She politely thanked him and was just going to walk away, when her brother walked towards them.

"Hey, Nehu meet my best buddy Yash. Maybe you don't remember him but he was in your college too, probably your senior. And Yash this is the annoying little sister I told you about." Aarav said introducing them to each other.

They did a formal handshake and soon Neha excused herself. She had to find her mother. She spotted her mother surrounded by a group of 'gossip aunties'. Yeah, that's what she called them because they just wouldn't mind their own business. In any other case she would've completely avoided or ignored them but right now she had something important to tell her mother.

She unwillingly walked towards them. Upon seeing her walk towards them the group of 'gossip aunties', stopped whatever they were talking about as they found their new target. The Sharma's daughter who has an affair with the Mishra's son long forgotten.

Neha politely joined her hands and greeted them. They just smiled at her which were totally forced.

"Neha, you completed your college last year right? So when are you planning to get married? The girls your age are already married and some are even bearing a child or two, so why don't you get married too?" Pamila aunty, a lady around her mid sixties taunted.

'The women your age are already dead, so why don't you die too.' This is what Neha wanted to say, but she bit her tongue. No matter what they say, they're your elders and you ought to respect them. This is what her mother taught her, and she wouldn't disrespect her mother's teachings for a low life person as her.

"Aunty, it would be good if you focus on your granddaughter first. I heard she still hasn't cleared her finals. So sad." Neha said in the same taunting voice that was used on her earlier.

Pamila aunty just huffed and walked over to another group of 'gossip aunties', while muttering something along the lines of, 'kids these days.'

Neha pulled her mother aside and informed her about the call she received a few minutes ago.

"Ma, Priya bhabhi's mum just called me, she said that she wasn't able to reach you and she had something important to discuss with you."

"Maybe, I forgot my phone somewhere. Why don't you look for it?" Her mother said and Neha handed her mobile to her mother so she could call Priya's mother while Neha looked for her mother's phone.

She spotted it in the kitchen and went to search for her mother so she could hand it over to her. As she was passing the store room a pair of arms pulled her inside the room.

Before Neha could even make a yip, her mouth was covered by a palm.

"Shhh. It's me." After hearing the familiar voice Neha relaxed.

"Yash, have you gone mad, what if someone saw us?" Neha freaked out.

"No one saw. I guarantee that. I just missed you, it's been so long since I last saw you that's the reason I couldn't help it." Yadh said staring at the love of his life admiringly.

After hearing his words a smile formed on Neha's face.

"I missed you too." Neha said pecking his lips, but before she could retract Yash deepened the kiss.

By the time he was done both of them were panting.

"Did you convince my brother?" Neha asked hopefully.

"You heard it. I'm his best pal, if that's convincing enough for you." Yash said playing with Neha's fingers. How much he was dying to see his engagement ring on her finger.

"You know how protective he is of me. You might be his best pal, but if he finds out about us, we're dead." Neha said horrified about the thought of her brother finding about them.

Neha and Yash are college sweethearts. It was a classic junior-senior love story. But Neha's brother was protective of her so they never disclosed their relationship. When he was off to the military, that was the most time they had together. Soon, Yadh found that his interest was in the army too, and luckily he was placed in the same regiment as Aarav. So they planned that, Yash would impress Aarav and then they could tell him about their relationship. Although he would be angry at first he would eventually come around.

"Don't worry, before he finds out himself we would tell him." Yash said reassuringly to Neha.

Neha just nodded her head. Just as they were about to kiss again, the phone in Neha's hand went off. It was her mother's phone and the caller ID read Aarav. Neha felt as if she was caught red handed sneaking chocolates during midnight.

"I have to hand this to my mother." Said Neha and walked out of the store room, not before looking around to check if someone was wandering.

She quickly found her mother and handed over the phone to her, and took her's from her mother.

That evening:

The roka ceremony passed quite harmoniously. Now, it was time for the engagement party. It wasn't very big, just close family and friends from both sides and took place in the Singh's backyard, as it was quite big.

Neha was in her room, standing before the mirror, dressed in a beautiful Anarkali suit. She was just hooking her jhumkas when the door to her room opened and a figure entered sneakily. Neha smiled looking at the intruder through the mirror.

Yash walked towards her and wrapped his hands around her waist, and pulled her into his chest. Neha rested her hand on top of his. His eyes raked over her through the mirror. He moved her hair aside and kissed her exposed shoulder causing shivers to run down Neha's spine.

"You look beautiful." He complimented her not able to take his eyes off her.

"You don't look bad yourself either. Just one thing's missing." Said Neha and swiped her ring finger across the kajal on her eye and pressed it behind his ear.

(According to Indian culture applying a small dot of Kajal(Kohl) behind one's ear protects them from evil eye.)

"And now you look perfect." Said Neha and Yash just chuckled at her actions.

"You're too superstitious." Yash said shaking his head.

"I'm just being cautious. There are so many people downstairs and I don't want anyone's evil eyes on you." Neha defended.

Yash just shook his head. He turned Neha around and crashed his lips to hers. Just as his lips made contact with hers he groaned, wanting nothing more than to just stop the time right at that moment.

Neha was getting out of breath, so she lightly pushed Yash, and Yash reluctantly let her lips free.

"Great, you've just ruined my lipstick." Neha groaned turning around and looking at her smudged and swollen lips. Yash kissed her temple.

"You fix yourself up, I'll be waiting downstairs." He said and walked out of the room, not before looking around to check if someone was there.

Just as he was making his way downstairs he bumped into someone. He looked at the person and his heartbeat sped up. Aarav. 'Did he see me walking out of Neha's room?' was the question that rose in his mind.

"Hey Yash, I was looking for you everywhere man. Where were you?" Aarav asked.

"Oh, I was just lost. Why were you looking for me?" Yash said hurriedly, trying to change the topic.

"Oh, Jeetu, Neil and everyone's here and they were asking about you." Aarav said, and both of them made their way downstairs.

The party was in a full swing downstairs. Ladies trying to flaunt their jewellery slyly. Men discussing about cricket, politics and other national issues. Children running around. The bride's family has not yet arrived and it would take a good half an hour for them to do so.

Yash was soon busy chatting with his friends, when he saw the love of his life descending the stairs, looking more beautiful than ever.

His eyes never left her, and his ears were not able to hear anything Jeetu was saying, he felt like he was engulfed in her scent, his tongue dying to taste her mouth, wanting nothing more than skin-to-skin contact with her. It was like all of his senses were bewitched by her.

When Neha saw Yash looking at her with so much love in his eyes, her eyes welled up. The reason, even she doesn't know it. She was just overwhelmed, and thanked God for giving her such an amazing person in her life.

She discreetly blew him a kiss, and that seemed to wake Yash from his trance. Jeetu was still going on about this new Bollywood movie on the Indo-Pak war of 1971. But Yash was too lost to listen to him. He excused himself and walked towards the living room, giving a signal to Neha, to follow him.

Yash exited the backyard and entered the living room, and went straight towards the store room. Neha followed shortly after. They didn't notice a pair of eyes that followed their movements.

Just as Neha entered the store room, Yash engulfed her in his arms. Just as he was to say something, the door was pushed open roughly, and a loud voice was heard.

"LET HER GO!!" Yelled Aarav, and lunged at Yash.

Yash immediately let Neha go, and a punch landed on his face. He held his jaw as blood oozed out the corner of his lips.

Neha screamed as she saw her brother landing punches on her boyfriend. She tried to pull her brother away from her love, but was unsuccessful.

"Stop. Please stop. STOP!!" Neha yelled and Aarav stopped his hand mid air, and turned towards his sister. He walked towards her and rook a hold of her hand and was about to drag her out of the room, when Neha pulled her hand away from her brother's grip.

"No, I am not going anywhere with you. I love him, and I want to be with him." Neha said determined.

"No, he is not good for you." Aarav said sternly and was about to grab Neha's hand again, when someone else grabbed it.

By now, many people have gathered at the door, looking at the commotion happening inside.

"Why, why am I not good enough for her?" Yash asked.

"Because you're a soldier." Aarav said simply.

"And what's wrong with that, you are one too." Said Neha.

"Because I love you, and I don't want you to end up like our mother. I have heard her cry during the night in her room because she misses dad, but always trying to look happy in front of us. I've seen her miseries, and I don't want you to face that." Aarav said looking at his sister.

"Do you even hear yourself? You're so hypocrite. You're saying that I cannot marry him because he is a soldier, but aren't you marrying someone too. Are you saying that soldiers don't have a right to love? And you're saying that you don't want me to end up like our mother, but you know what, I don't have any problem ending up like her. Because she is the strongest woman I've ever met, and she's the best mother a child could ask for. And if I do end up like her, I will surely not regret it, because she doesn't. God forbid, if something ever happens to him, and I end up like her, I would be proud of him for sacrificing his life for the motherland, and proud of myself for falling in love with someone as wonderful. Yeah, it's true I wouldn't be able to do many other things that normal couples would do, but, I will never regret falling in love with him. I wouldn't be able to see him for months altogether, but I will forever cherish the moments we spent together. So, no I don't have any problem with him being a soldier, because a soldier the value of love and family the most." Neha said and their mother who watching them from the door weeped silent tears.

After listening to her Aarav felt a little ashamed. He looked at Yash who was standing there holding his sister's hand and looking at her with so much love and pride. At that moment he realised that no other man was good for his sister apart from him. He apologized to Yash and hugged him tightly.

Soon, the engagement party started and now there were two couples getting married in the coming two weeks.

The Pratap house:

Shalini climbed the stairs to her son's room. She had made his favourite Aloo parathas. She knows that he doesn't get to have them that frequently in the army. She was at first unwilling of her son joining the army. But one sentence from her son and she agreed, although unwillingly.

'If every mom like you, wouldn't allow their son to join the army, then who is going to protect our country?'

He was the first one from his family to join the army. To say she misses her son, would be an understatement. Almost everyday she prays to God to keep her son safe and sound. What more can a mother ask for than the safety of her child.

She opened the door to her son's room gently, being careful not to wake him up. Yash was sleeping on his bed like a baby. She remembered how when he was young, he would always hug her when he sleeps. She walked towards the bed and placed the plate in her hand on the nightstand.

Although her son was not here for six months, there was not a single day when she didn't clean this room. When she missed him, she would look through his old photo albums, and loot at how her son had grown up so quickly.

She sat on the side of the bed and looked at her sleeping son. He looked exhausted. She noticed he had lost a little weight too. On his face she could lightly see the scars, he got during the training. She traced them with her fingertips. Just looking at those small scars her heart ached, god forbid if something happened to him? She immediately shook her head at the thought of something bad happening to her son.

She then ran her hand through his hair, which were very short due to the military cut.

"Yash, wake up. Look, I've made your favourite Aloo parathas. We even have to go to Neha's house right?" Shalini said gently.

Yash turned around and opened his eyes. Upon seeing his mother he smiled tiredly at her.

"You look beautiful." He complimented her.

"Don't try to flatter me, you're not allowed to sleep in. And that compliments save it for your wife." Shalini said and stood up laughing.

"Oh come on Ma, I was being genuine. You really look beautiful. Red really suits you, it doesn't make you look so old." Yash said and Shalini threw a pillow at him.

"Well, I AM NOT OLD! I'm just 55." His mother said and walked out of the room. Yash just chuckled. He absolutely loved his mother. He thanked God for giving him such wonderful women in his life.

Two weeks later:

Today was the day Neha was so eagerly waiting for her. Face shining due to the bridal glow, her hands filled with mehendi, dressed in a beautiful red lehenga, she was ready to marry the love of her life.

She absolutely had no cold feet, no second thoughts, no fears. She gazed at the gorgeous looking bride in the mirror. Her left hand traced her future husband's name written with the mehendi on her right palm. She was happy.

There was a knock on the door. She said a quite come in, and her brother entered. He was dressed in a sherwani. His turban tightly tied on his head. He was getting married today too. When he saw his sister all dressed up and ready to get married, that's the moment he realized how much he was going to miss her.

They were not like other brothers and sisters. They didn't publicly neither privately show how much they cared for each other. Always fighting and quarrelling. But they both knew how much they loved each other.

He wasn't ready to give his little sister to anyone. Not even to his best friend. The little sister he played hide and seek with, the sister he made his homeworks do, the sister he taught how to ride a bicycle, the sister he loved. He would always miss her random talks, funny dance moves, funny antics, illogical ideas. He never told her he was the one who threatened the boys who bullied her in middle school, why he always told her to call him while traveling in an auto rickshaw, why he would speed up the bike when some perverts on a bike tried to match their speed, why he kept a photo of her in his wallet, that he was the one who was awake the entire night to fix her broken doll she loved the most, why he would slyly seek her attention. That was the relationship siblings share. A relationship where love is not spoken but felt.

Nor did she ever tell him that she enjoyed when he teased her, she would hold his Rakhi gifts tightly when she missed him, she would silently cry when she missed him. She never told him why she left the last biscuit, how she daily prays to God to keep him safe, how whenever she hears a news about an attack her heart beat speeds up, how much she loved him. But in that moment when she saw him enter the room all her emotions went haywire. She thought she was ready, but in reality was she? She was not afraid to marry Yash, what she was afraid of was to leave her mother and brother. Tears filled her eyes.

Upon seeing tears in his sister's eyes, Aarav speed walked towards her and engulfed her in a hug.

"Hey, why're you crying. If you cry all your makeup would be ruined and I'm sure Yash wouldn't marry you if he saw you bare faced." Aarav said trying to lighten her mood.

"Tell me, if you don't want to marry him. Tell me Nehu and I will handle everything, the guests, him, his family, everything. You don't have to worry about the reputation just tell me okay?" Aarav said but tears didn't stop flowing from Neha's eyes. All the memories from their childhood rushed into her brain.

"Hey, why are you crying? Did Yash do something? If he even laid a finger on you, I would kill him. Tell me, did he made you cry?" Aarav asked already planning some evil ways to torture Yash if he was the one that brought tears in his sister's eyes.

Neha shook her head and hugged her brother tightly. "I am going to miss you." She said meekly.

That one sentence was enough to bring tears to Aarav's eyes.

"Tum toh aise keh rahi ho jaise koi dusre desh jaa rahi ho. Bas 10 KM door hi ho na yaha se, jab marzi ho aa jana." Aarav said trying to hold his tears in.

(You are telling it as if you're shifting to some other countries. It's just 10 KM away from here, you could come here whenever you wish.)

"Things are not going to be the same." Neha said.

"I know." Aarav said and hugged his sister more tightly.

2 hours later:

Yash was sitting in the mandap, along with Neha. They both were performing all the rituals the priest was guiding them to. Now, it was time for the pheras. They both stood up and took seven rounds of seven promises making the sacred fire as the witness.

(Saat pheras is a ritual in an Indian wedding where the bride and groom take circles of the sacred fire, promising to love, respect each other.)

"Ab, var vadhu ki maang mein sindoor bhare." The priest said and continued chanting some mantras.

(Now, the groom must apply the vermilion on the bride's hair parting line.)

Yash took a pinch of the vermilion between his right and thumb and applied it gently on Neha's hair parting line. While applying some of it fell on her nose.

(It is said that if the vermilion falls on the bride's nose while the groom is applying it, the groom would love her alot.)

"Ab var vadhu ke gale mein mangalsutra pehnaye." The priest said.

(Mangalsutra is a nuptial chain that is tied around the bride's neck by the groom as is the symbol of their union.)

Yash tied the nuptial chain gently around Neha's neck and at that moment a tear fell down Neha's eye and trickled down her cheek. She felt overwhelmed.

2 days later:

All the rituals were finally over and Neha and Yash were in Goa for their honeymoon. The honeymoon was just one week long, as Yash had to return to Kashmir soon.

Right now, Neha was sitting on the bed fiddling with her fingers nervously. Yash was in the bathroom having a shower. Her hands unconsciously touched the nuptial chain. Sure, they have kissed multiple times, but they didn't go further than that. Millions of questions were running through her mind.

Her line of thoughts were broken when she heard the click of the bathroom door opening. Yash exited the bathroom in just a towel. He walked towards the bed where Neha was sitting nervously.

"Neha, love, if you're not ready, you don't have to force yourself. I can wait for you. We've a lot of time together. You know, I love you for more than just your body, right." Yash said comforting Neha.

Time. Time was the thing they don't have together. After this week, he will have to return to Kashmir. After that who knows when Neha would see him again. Will she even see him. At that thought Neha hooked her arms around Yash's neck and pulled his face closer to hers.

She kissed his lips and said, "I am ready Yash. Make love to me. Make me yours, please." Neha said.

"Gladly." Yash said and kissed her. His lips met hers and a whole new swirl of emotions rose inside his chest. His lips moved fiercely against her. He pushed Neha a little so that she was lying on the bed and hovered over her.

His tongue slightly traced her lips, asking for permission to enter. Neha gladly parted her lips. Their tongues fought for dominance and Neha won. Yash trailed his kissed to her neck, sucking and biting all over his way. His hand crept inside the night shirt she was wearing and unhooked her bra. His fingers hooked themselves on the edge of her shirt, when he looked up and met her eyes.

"May I?" He asked.

Neha just nodded her head and soon they both were lost in the abyss of pure ecstasy.

A week later:

Tomorrow was the day Neha dreaded the most. Tomorrow, her husband had to return to Kashmir. The mehendi on her hand had not even faded and she has to part from her husband.

In this moment, Neha was lying on Yash's chest. Both of them are exhausted due to their passionate love making. They were back to the Pratap house. Neha was tracing invisible circles on his chest, while he was rubbing Neha's naked back. Silence and the musky scent of sex the only thing surrounding them. Both of them were afraid, afraid of what time carries for them. It could be their last moment together.

"Promise me. Promise me that you would write me everyday, if not everyday at least whenever you get time, write to me about anything, everything. Promise me you'll take care of yourself not for your sake but for mine. Promise me you'll bring me my husband back safe and sound." Neha said with tears streaming down her eyes.

Yash just stayed silent because he couldn't promise her anything.

"Yash, I know I'm not your first priority, our country is the first one, I know that, but to me you're my first priority. I know I said that even if I end up like my mother I'm not afraid but I can't. She was brave, I am not. I can't live without you. I'm not brave enough to spend the rest of my life without you. I can't just live with your memories. I need you." Neha said sobbing loudly.

Yash just held her tightly and made love to her over and over again, both afraid and want to make the most of this moment, as this could be the last time they saw each other.

Next morning:

The railway station was crowded as usual. But it was a little extra busy today, because today many people had come to see off their brave family members.

Neha was standing along with the Pratap and Singh family, holding Yash's hand in a tight grip. Everyone was hugging each other. Her brother came towards her and hugged her tightly.

She couldn't control the tears flowing down her eyes. She hugged her brother tightly.

"Be safe." She mumbled.

After that Yash hugged Neha tightly. Neha couldn't control her emotions. She kept mumbling 'I love you' continuously, with tears rolling down her eyes. Yash caressed her head and buried his face in her neck. Both of them not willing to leave each other. The horn blew off, signalling that the train was ready to depart, but Neha wasn't ready to leave Yash. She held him tightly.

"Shhhh love, don't cry, I've got to go. And I love you, remember that always." Yash said and freed himself from Neha's embrace. Neha held his hands tightly not willing to let go. But as Yash walked towards the train their hands slipped.

Yash and Aarav boarded the train and soon it started moving. They stood at the door and waved at their family.

O yoon na lamha lamha meri yaad mein
Ho ke tanha tanha, mere baad mein
Naina ashq na ho
Maana kal se honge hum door
Naina ashq na ho, naina ashq na ho

This way, every moment, in my memory,
Becoming lonely after me,
there need not be tears in your eyes..
Though we'll be away from tomorrow,
there shouldn't be tears in your eyes. You shouldn't cry.

Main na lauta aane waale saal jo
Meri vardi bole mera haal to
Naina ashq na ho,
Ye samajhna main hoon majboor
Naina ashq na ho, naina ashq na ho

If I don't come back the next year,
If my uniform talks about me (about how I had to die/face hardships for our country)
don't cry.
Understand that I am compelled,
and don't cry.. don't have tears in your eyes.

Beete hue lamhon ke taare, ginoonga main,
Aake tujhe khwaabon tere, miloonga main
Jab kabhi halki halki barkha aaye
Jab kabhi dil bhi yoon hi bhar sa jaaye
Jab kabhi halki halki barkhaa aaye
Us pal jhonka ek ban ke aaunga main
Us pal zulfein palkein daaman chhoo jaaunga main
teri choodi nagme gaaye jo mere
Teri palkon pe ho saaye jo mere
Naina ashq na ho
Ho aansoon karde humein kamzor
Naina ashq na ho, Naina ashq na ho

I'll count the stars of passed moments
[Here, stars expresses that there are countless good moments they have spent together]
I'll come and meet you in your dreams.
When a light drizzle comes,
when the heart gets filled up a bit [with emotions],
when there is a light drizzle,
That moment, I'll come as a gust of wind,
That moment, I'll touch your hair, your eyelids, and you,
when your bangles sing my songs,
when there are my shadows on your eyelids,
don't cry...
These tears make me weak,
don't cry, don't let tears be in your eyes.

Tere liye saansein aayein,
Tere liye jaayein, jaayein re, jaayein re
Rabba, rabba bairi se bichhode jaane kisne banaaye re
Haaye re haaye re haaye re
Doori tadpaaye, mere baad chaahe aaye yaad meri
Naina ashq na ho, naina ashq na ho
Naina ashq na ho, ashq na ho..

Breaths come for you,
and go for you, go for you..
[i.e. I inhale and exhale my breath for you. Inhaling is called saans aana, hence saans jaana, not used much though, would mean exhaling, of breath.]
O God, who made this enemy-like separations..
O God. O Lord..
(If) distance agonizes, and even if you're agonized by my memories after I go,
Don't cry, don't cry..

O likhi khat mein maine tujhe baat jo
Sona rakh ke takiye tale raat ko
Naina ashq na ho
Ye judaai bhi hai dastoor
Naina ashq na ho, naina ashq na ho..

The thing that I have written in the letter to you,
keep it under your pillow at night and sleep,
and don't cry.
Even this separation is a tradition (of the world, of love and lovers)
don't cry.. don't cry..

Neha kept waving till the train disappeared from her line of sight.

1 month later:

Yash was anxious. It had been two days since he haven't received a letter from Neha.

It had become a routine for them to write daily. He would sometimes not be able to write to her, but he would write a letter whenever he was free. But this was the first time since he had not received a letter for two days.

Normally, he would collect the letter from the post office while returning from patrolling and post his letter. Then after completion of his duty, he would read the letter in his room. He wasn't able to call her, because there was no cell tower in the area. And the nearest telephone booth was 100 KM from here, and he planned call from there if he didn't receive a letter today.

He was right now, in a jeep on his way to the post office, to check if there's a letter for him. He walked in the post office and asked if there was a letter for him. Some children playing around saluted him and he gladly saluted them back.

The postman brought back a letter with him and handed it over to Yash. Yash was relieved to see that it was from Neha. He stuffed the letter in his bag and made his way out and towards his camp.

He walked into his small room and opened the letter, practically tearing the envelope to eager to read what's written inside it. In his hast he didn't see the small paper that fell down.

Dear Yash,

I am very sorry, I wasn't able to write to you for the past two days. I know you're probably worried so, to ease your worries there's nothing wrong over here. Me and Ma(Shalini) are perfectly fine. I just couldn't write because I was too overwhelmed with emotions. I had been vomiting since last two weeks. I mentioned it in the letters. Ma advised to go see a doctor, and when I met him, he gave me the most wonderful news. Yash, I'm pregnant. Yash, we're pregnant. You're gonna be a father soon. Didn't expect I would say this to you this way. I would exchange anything right now to see your expressions. Probably you're happy, you're probably sad. But to know that I have to wait for the next letter. I wanted to tell this to you face to face. But for now, just remember that now there are not just two people awaiting for your return but three. Be safe.

And I am sending you a picture of the ultrasound, so that you could see the beautiful thing we've created. I love you.

Your love.

The letter slipped from Yash's fingers as tears rolled down his eyes. He quickly picked the letter up and wiped some imaginary dust off it and clutched it tightly to his chest as if he was hugging Neha. Suddenly something clicked in his mind. Ultrasound picture. Where is it?

He opened the envelope and checked inside but found it empty. His heart dropped. Where did the picture go? He looked around and saw a small piece of paper lying near his feet. He picked it up and turned it over and looked at it. It was the ultrasound picture. He kissed the picture over and over again and mumbled 'I am gonna be a dad.'

8 months later:

A vase just passed by the doctor's head as he skillfully dodged it. Experience. This wasn't the first time he was facing such a situation. He was habituated to it.

"I said, I am not gonna deliver this baby until he arrives." Screamed Neha and looked for something else to throw at the doctor.

Neha went into labor 2 hours ago, and Yash still wasn't here. Unfortunately Yash wasn't able to get any leave until now, and was probably on his way to the hospital from the railway station.

In these nine months, Neha wrote to him practically everyday about everything. About her morning sickness, about her cravings, about her mood swings, everything and Yash never felt like he wasn't able to be there for her. She would also send him ultrasound pictures every month.

Yash entered the hospital lobby panting. He saw his mother, his mother-in-law, and his sister-in-law standing outside the OT.

"Where is she?" He asked panting.

They pointed at the OT and he barged in. As soon as he barged in he was hit by the apple that the doctor barged. He held his forehead in pain.

"YASH!! YOU BASTARD YOU'RE FINALLY HERE. I SWEAR THE NEXT TIME YOU TOUCH ME I AM GONNA CUT YOUR HANDS OFF." Yelled Neha.

Yash quickly walked towards his wife rubbing his forehead and grabbed her hand in his.

"I am sorry love, the train was running a little late." Said Yash kissing Neha's forehead.

"Mam, can you start pushing bow please, now that your husband is here." The doctor pleaded desperately.

Neha nodded and soon started pushing. She was squeezing the life out of Yash's hand, but he didn't mind. After a rough 2 hours, finally the wail of a baby was heard.

"Congratulations, it's a girl." The doctor said handing the baby covered in blood to the nurse who was carrying a towel in her hands. The nurse took the baby to get cleaned up.

Both the new parents couldn't stop their tears. Yash kissed Neha on her forehead. "Thank you," he sai and then continued, "for completing our family."

Neha just pulled Yash for a kiss. She didn't mind the nurses and the doctor that were staring at her, she was too emotional.

A few minutes later a nurse approached them with a pink baby blanket in her hands. She handed the baby to them.

Neha hugged her daughter close to her chest, and Yash kissed her forehead.

"She is beautiful, looks just like you." Yash murmured caressing his daughter's rosy cheeks.

Neha smiled, unable to say anything.

After another hour the family members entered Neha's ward. All of them were smitten by the cute bundle of joy.

"Have you both decided on a name yet?" Neha's mother asked.

Neha nodded. "Adya Yash Pratap."

3 May, 1999:

Neha was playing with Adya while the news was going on in the background. Adya was going to turn one, in the upcoming week, and Yash was going to come home during that time.

Everything was going well. Adya had started to crawl and stand up with support of nearby things, Priya was pregnant with their first child and Aarav was more than excited.

Neha was tickling Adya as she giggled.

"Some local shepherds in Kargil, had reported Pakistani intrusion. The army is on an alert and soon patrol would be sent for further investigation. Stay tuned for further information." The news anchor reported and Neha's heartbeat sped up.
(This information is from the Wikipedia)

"Don't worry Neha. It's probably just a simple intrusion." Shalini said trying to calm Neha down.

Neha smiled at her. But, in her heart she was still afraid.

9 May, 1999:

The situation in Kashmir has been tense. Neha watched as the news reporter reported the situation in Kashmir.

"Heavy shelling by Pakistan army damages ammunition dump in Kargil."

Neha was on edge these days. Two days before Neha received a letter from Yash saying that the situation is tense, and he wouldn't be able to write to her for a few days. He even said the army generals are thinking of moving some of the troops from the Kashmir valley to Kargil.

14 May, 1999:

Neha had just put Adya to her afternoon nap, when the landline went off. Who would call her right now, she thought. She lifted the landline.

"Hello, Neha?" She heard the voice of her beloved husband.

"Yash?"

"Yes, it's me? How are you? How's Adya, Ma? I hope Adya is not troubling you alot."

"Everyone's fine here. And no, your princess is being good, how are you?" Neha asked.

"I am fine. I called you to inform that, the high command has decided to shift more troops from the Kashmir valley to Kargil and our troop is one of them. So, I just wanted to hear your voice in case it's the last time." Yash said chokingly.

Neha's world stopped. Tears stung her eyes. She sobbed, breaking Yash's heart into a million pieces.

"Shhh, love don't cry, please?" Yash requested.

"Yash, please don't go. I can't live without you. You know that. Please?" Neha pleaded.

"It's my duty, Neha. Is Ma there, can I talk to her?" Yash asked. Neha replied a meek yes and called Shalini over. When Shalini heard the news, she too couldn't stop the tears in her eyes. But she controlled her emotions. She was ready for this, as she knew she had to face this day sooner or later.

"Ma, Ma I never told you, but I love you so much. And all the times I complimented you, you thought that I was just flattering you, but in reality, you're the most beautiful woman I've met in my whole life, but don't tell that to Neha, ok?" Yash said and chuckled. Shalini too chuckled with tears in her eyes. Neha went to Adya's room to wake her up. She doesn't care if her daughter would be fussy, she had to make her listen to her dad's voice, in case it's the last time.

"Yash, beta, no matter what happens, always remember that I'm proud of you and I love you. Be safe, God bless you." Shalini said unable to say anything more.

Neha walked back to the living room with a half awoke Adya in her arms. She put the phone to Adya's ear. "Adya, it's Papa, say Papa." Neha instructed but Adya just kept her head on her mother's shoulder.

"Adya, princess, it's Papa. I love you, Adya. Always remember that, okay? Be brave, be confident, be kind and be truthful in the future okay? Be just like your mother and your grandmothers." Yash said.

Neha then put the receiver to her ear.

"Yash, promise me you'll be safe. Please. Just promise me, don't get hurt okay? Don't get killed please?" Neha said sobbing.

"Neha, love, you know, I can't promise you that. What I can promise you is that I will always love you wherever I am. Be happy, Neha. Neha, I got to go. Others are in the line, promise me you wouldn't do anything reckless Neha?" Yash asked because he knew Neha's mindset.

"I promise." Neha promised. " I love you." She said closing her eyes.

"I love you too." Yash said and just as he was about to hang up the phone, he heard a meek 'Papa'. He was shocked. This is the first time Adya said something.

"What did you say princess, could you repeat it, please?" Yash said desperately trying to hear it once again.

Adya who was fully awake by now said, "Papa", followed by some other gibberish. Yash hung up the phone, trying to keep his tears at bay.

29 June, 1999:

It has been a little over a month since the war started. There had been many casualties from both sides. Soldiers from both sides striving hard to show their loyalty towards their respective country.

Their were bullet shells, dead bodies, weapons everywhere.

Yash and his Brigade were posted at Point 5060, one of the vital posts near Tiger hill.

There was firing going on from both sides. There were a rainfall of grenades from both sides.

"Yash, we need to attack that bunker. There is no other choice, we are losing people and the backup is still far away." Jeetu said while reloading his rifle.

"I will go." Aarav monitored.

"No, you stay here. Your wife is pregnant, you shouldn't die without seeing your child. I've already seen my child and heard the most precious word." Yash said placing his hand on Aarav's shoulder.

"No, Neha couldn't live without you." Aarav said.

"I cannot snatch a father from a child even before he has seen him!" Yash said and started taking some weapons to attack the Paskistani bunker.

He sneakily started going towards the bunker. Aarav was going to stop him but Jeetu stopped him.

A soldier from the opposite side saw Yash trying to sneakily approach them, he aimed his gun at Yash and fired it. A bullet passed through Yash's shoulder. He quickly hid behind a brick wall and shot the soldier in return. The bullet pierced through his head and he fell dead.

He clutched his shoulder tightly trying to numb the pain. More bullets were fired in his direction, but he successfully dodged them by hiding behind the wall.

From the other end of the wall he saw a way to the bunker. He sneakily went through that way. He was just a little away from the bunker when he took out the grenade hooked onto his belt, he removed the safety clip and before he could throw a grenade at the bunker, a soldier spotted him and fired two bullets at him. One of the bullets pierced his stomach, while the other pierced his right shoulder. He still managed to gather enough energy to throw the grenade at the bunker, and fell to the ground.

He watched as the bunker, burst into flames. He was at a safe distance, distance safe enough to protect him from the fire, bit the bullets that were pierced into his body were a ticking time bomb. He was in extreme pain. He knew he wouldn't be able to make it through. His full life played in front of him like a movie. All of his memories, happy moments, sad moments, everything rushed onto him.

Talvaron Pe Sar Waar Diye
We put our heads on the swords
Angaaron Mein Jism Jalaaya Hai
We've burnt our bodies on fireballs
(We have risked our lives and fought bravely against all odds)
Tab Jaake Kahin Humne Sar Pe
And after all that, on our head
Yeh Kesari Rang Sajaaya Hai
We have decorated this saffron colour
(And after all that we have adorned saffron coloured turbans on our head)

Aye Meri Zameen Afsoss Nahi
O my motherland! I don't have any regrets
Jo Tere Liye Sau Dard Sahe
For all the pains that I have endured
Mehfooz Rahe Teri Aan Sada
May Your honour remain intact forever
Chaahe Jaan Meri Yeh Rahe Na Rahe
Even if I remain alive or not.

Aye Meri Zameen Mehboob Meri
O my motherland, You are my love
Meri Nass Nass Mein Tera Ishq Bahe
The love for You flows through every vein of mine
Pheenka Na Pade Kabhi Rang Tera
May Your colour never get faded
Jismon Se Nikal Ke Khoon Kahe...
This is what every drop of my blood(that oozes out of the body) says

Teri Mitti Mein Mil Jawaan
I will turn into ashes and join You/Your soil (O motherland!)
Gul Banke Main Khil Jawaan
And then I will bloom out like a flower
Itni Si Hai Dil Ki Aarzoo...
This is the only desire of my heart
Teri Nadiyon Mein Beh Jawaan
I want to flow in Your rivers(O motherland!)
Teri Kheton Mein Lehrawaan
I want to sway(like crops) in Your fields
Itni Si Hai Dil Ki Aarzoo...
This is the only desire of my heart

Wo O... Ooo... Wo O... O... Ooo...

Sarson Se Bhare Khaliyaan Mere
My fields full of mustard greens
Jahaan Jhoom Ke Bhangra Paa Na Saka
Where I couldn't happily dance Bhangra
(Bhangra is a famous folk dance of Punjab, a state in North India)
Aabad Rahe Woh Gaon Mera
May my village always remain populated
Jahaan Laut Ke Wapas Jaa Na Saka
Where I couldn't return back

Ho Watna Ve, Mere Watna Ve
O my country! O my country!
Tera Mera Pyaar Nirala Thha
The love we shared was so wonderful
Kurbaan Hua Teri Asmat Pe
I sacrificed myself on Your pure soil
Main Kitna Naseebon Waala Thha
I was so fortunate

Teri Mitti Mein Mil Jawaan
I will turn into ashes and join You
Gul Banke Main Khil Jawaan
And then I will bloom out like a flower
Itni Si Hai Dil Ki Aarzoo...
This is the only desire of my heart
Teri Nadiyon Mein Beh Jawaan
I want to flow in Your rivers
Teri Kheton Mein Lehrawaan
I want to sway in Your fields
Itni Si Hai Dil Ki Aarzoo...
This is the only desire of my heart

Kesari...
Saffron

O Heer Meri Tu Hansti Rahe
O my beloved! May You always remain smiling/happy
Teri Aankh Ghadi Bhar Nam Na Ho
May there never be even a hint of a tear in Your eyes ever
Main Marta Thha Jis Mukhde Pe
On the face that I use to die on
Kabhi Uska Ujaala Kam Na Ho
May the glow of that face never decrease

Memories of his time with Neha clouded his mind. There first meeting in the college. Their first date, first kiss, first 'I love you's', first fight, everything. The way her face lights up when he mentions about something she likes. The smile that he adored a lot, the tears he hated the most. He closed his eyes and Neha's happy face came into his mind. He smiled and reached his hand out to brush the locks of her hair away from her face but met empty air. He smiled bittersweetly.

O Maai Meri Kya Fiqr Tujhe
O my mother! Why are You worried?
Kyun Aankh Se Dariya Behta Hai
Why is a river of tears flowing from Your eyes
Tu Kehti Thhi Tera Chaand Hoon Main
You used to tell me that I was Your Moon
Aur Chaand Hamesha Rehta Hai
And You should know that Moon will remain/exist forever

The face of his mother danced infront of his eyes. Her happy face. He was reminded of all the sacrifices she has done in her life for him. Than suddenly the happy face turned into a sad one and tears rolled down her eyes. He couldn't bear those tears. He tried to wipe them but his fingers didn't reach them.

Teri Mitti Mein Mil Jawaan
I will turn into ashes and join You
Gul Banke Main Khil Jawaan
And then I will bloom out like a flower
Itni Si Hai Dil Ki Aarzoo...
This is the only desire of my hear
I want to flow in Your rivers
Teri Faslon Mein Lehrawaan
I want to sway in your fields
Itni Si Hai Dil Ki Aarzoo...
This is the only desire of my heart

Kesari...
Saffron

Finally, the happy face of his daughter came into his mind. She was the sun of his life. He prayed to god, to keep her happy always. He prayed that when she grows up, she would understand why he had to leave them and go. He wanted a little more time with her. Just a little more.

Jeetu and Aarav rushed towards the bloody Yash. Aarav lifted his head slowly and placed it on his lap.

"Yash, the medical team would be here soon, please be with me." Aarav said crying upon seeing the condition of his best friend.

"Shhh, Aarav, I'm sleepy. Let me sleep, please." Yash said and his eyelids were dropping.

Aarav patted his cheeks in an attempt to keep him awake.

"No, don't close your eyes. If you do, Neha is going to kill me." Aarav said trying to say something to keep him awake.

"Aarav, buddy, take care of Ma, Neha and Adya for me please? Will you? And also tell them, te-tell the-them th-tha-that," Yash said struggling to breathe, "I lo-love the-them." He said and went still.

His eyeballs stopped moving, his heart stopped beating. Aarav shook his body continuously, bit that was of no use.

"NOOOOOO!!" Aarav yelled.

30 June, 1999:

Neha was blankly staring at the wall. She had just fed Adya, who was acting fussy all of a sudden. Neha didn't feel good, she felt something strange. She felt as if a part of her body was torn apart. Her heart was restless.

The landline buzzed. Neha got up from the couch and picked it up. The news she heard shattered her whole world in a span of 30 seconds. The receiver fell from her hand and she slumped down on the floor sobbing. Upon hearing her sobs, Shalini rushed to the living room. On seeing Neha sobbing on the floor, she understood everything and she too couldn't control her tears. She walked towards Neha and hugged her tightly.

"Neha, you have to be brave. Not for yourself, but for Yash and Adya. Remember what you promised him." Shalini said crying and consoling Neha.

2 August, 1999:

Seven soldiers walked into the Pratap residence. Four of them carrying a coffin on their shoulders, and the other three walking ahead. They placed the coffin down. On the top of the coffin was the Indian flag. Inside laid the man Neha loved the most. Bit, for an unknown reason, no tears fell down her eyes. Maybe it was because she felt numb, or maybe it was because there were no tears left as she has been crying continuously for the last three days.

When the coffin was placed down, Shalini rushed towards it and hugged the coffin tightly and sobbed. Sobbed for the loss of her son. Adya who was in the arms of Neha was also crying, even if she couldn't understand the situation. Neha walked towards the coffin slowly. She kissed the top of the coffin and slouched down next to it.

The soldiers, saluted the coffin and placed a wreath on top of it. Then they handed, Neha a box, a box of her husband's belongings. Neha hugged the box tightly to her chest, and that's the moment when the dam broke. She sobbed uncontrollably.

4 August, 1999:

All the rituals have been done. Yash always said that when he dies, do not burn his body, instead bury him underground and plant a tree on top of his grave. Neha did as per his wish.

Neha was sitting in her room staring at the empty walls. She felt as if the walls were closing in. She felt suffocated. Her gaze fell on the box that contained Yash's belongings. She opened the box. Inside the box were his army cap, sunglasses, watch and three letters. Each was addressed as Neha, Ma and Adya.

She walked towards Shalini's door and knocked on it. Shalini opened the door not before wiping her tears. Neha knew Shalini was trying to hide her tears from her but she remained silent.

"Ma, this is the letter in that box." Neha said, and handed over the letter to Shalini. Shalini thanked her and Neha returned to her room.

When Neha entered her room, she opened the letter and read it.

Dear Neha,

If you're reading this letter it only means that I am no longer with you. First of all, don't cry, cause you know how much I hate tears. Especially yours. And this time I wouldn't be there to wipe them. Neha, I am sorry I couldn't accompany you to the end of your lifetime, but I am happy that I fulfilled my promise by accompanying you upto mine. Neha, I don't want to be selfish. As much as I want to be the only man in your life, I want you to go and find someone else. Someone who would keep you happy. Who would make you their first priority because I couldn't. You always said that I never told you the reason why I love you. Well, now you could hear it. I love you because you're kind, you're beautiful, you're compassionate, you're loving and most importantly because you're yourself. I don't know exactly when I fell in love with you, maybe it was when you tied your hair into a bun, maybe it was when you fought against those nasty bullies, maybe when you tripped over your shoe laces, maybe when you ate chocolate by smearing it all over your face, maybe when you first hugged me. But I am glad I did. You showed me a complete new meaning of life. Lastly, always remember that I love you, I love you more than anything else in this world.

P.s: Give the letter addressed to Adya when she turns eighteen. Tell her I will always love her from wherever I am.

Your love,
Yash.

After reading that letter Neha couldn't see anything as her eyes were clouded with tears. How could he tell her to find someone else. He was, is and always will be the only one for her. She clutched the letter tightly to her chest and wept silently.

In the room across from Neha's, Shalini read her letter.

Dear Ma,

As a parent I know how it feels when your child is hurt, and you're experiencing something way more worse than that. After dad's death, I promised myself that I would never allow a single tear to fall down you eye, but I failed. Sorry Ma. At this moment I want to confess a few things. It was me who broke your favourite vase when I was playing cricket. It was me who stole that ten rupees from your purse and not Sunidhi aunty, because I wanted to buy the spinning top. Sorry, I didn't confess them earlier. I was afraid. But now I am even more afraid. Afraid of who would take care of you all after I am gone. So, Ma please take care of yourself for me. And Ma, I will always love you.

With love,
Yash.

Shalini smiled bittersweetly, staring at the letter.

4 September, 2019:

Pratap residence was in full chaos today. Today was the day for Adya's departure and the house was full of excitement.

"Adya!! Adya idhar aa jaldi." Shalini yelled and Adya rushed towards her grandmother.

(Adya come here quickly.)

"What happened dadi?" Adya asked walking into the kitchen.

(Grandma)

Adya looked just like her mother, except her eyes and lips. She got those from her father and Neha would always compliment her on that. She and Shalini would always tell Adya different stories of her father. Because of that she never felt that her father was not with her.

"Come on, eat this. Dahi cheeni is auspicious to eat before you step out of the house to do something important." Shalini said feeding a spoonful to Adya.

(Yogurt with sugar)

"ADYA YASH PRATAP! Come over here this instant!" Neha yelled and Adya rushed towards her mother.

"Young lady, what've you done to your room? It looks like there was a hurricane here." Neha said looking around the room where all the clothes were scattered around.

"I couldn't find my letter." Adya said sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck.

"You could've asked me." Neha said and went towards Adya's bedside drawer, opened it and handed the old white envelope to Adya.

Adya thanked her mother as she left the room. She sat on her bed and opened the letter. She doesn't know how many times she had read this letter, but it was the only thing she had of her father.

Dear Adya,

Hey princess, I am your father. I am sorry I wasn't there when you took your first step. I am sorry I wasn't there to teach you how to ride a bike. I am sorry I wasn't there for your parent teacher meetings. I am sorry I wasn't there to beat up your bullies. You may be eighteen now, and I bet you look just like your mother. I am glad you do. I hope you've taken over her personality as well. Adya, I want you to know that I will always love you, if I am not there with you it doesn't mean that I love you any less. I hoped I had more time with you. Just a little more. But, destiny is twisted. I want you to always follow your heart. Do what you wish. I lived that way and I don't regret it. Not even dying for my country. Because it was my choice. I had options. I could've chosen a simple job, but I followed my heart. Don't be afraid because I am always with you. Watching you from above. When you held my large fingers in your tiny little hands for the first time, you had me wrapped around your little finger. I would spend hours just admiring you. But still I feel that wasn't enough. When I met your mom, I was a young rebel. But, your mother showed me the directions to my goal. I want you to meet someone like that too. And when you meet him/her cherish them. I don't want you to be like me, because I break promises. I broke many promises like I promised to never make your mother cry, never make your grandmother cry, never leave you all alone. But here I am breaking all of them. I am sorry princess. I don't know if you consider me your role model or not but I don't want you to be ashamed of me. I want you to be proud of me. Love you.

Dad.

Adya read the letter and smiled. The letter gave her strange confidence and courage. She got dressed up for her departure.

She walked down the stairs and saw her mom, her grandmother's, her Aarav uncle, Priya aunty and her cousin, Veer. She hugged all of them. The doorbell rang.

Neha opened the door and it was a flower delivery man. It was her anniversary today. She doesn't know who Yash paid, but she still gets a bouquet of flowers every year on her anniversary.

She took the bouquet and walked inside. After seeing the bouquet Aarav was depressed. He always blamed himself for Yash's death.

"Bhai, don't blame yourself. He is happy wherever he is." Neha said.

She walked towards her daughter and hugged her.

After hugging she took the army cap that was in the box containing Yash's belongings and placed it on Adya's head. It matched with her military uniform.

"Be safe." Neha said and Adya picked up her duffle bag and walked out of the house.

In the evening:

Neha went to the backyard and walked towards the beautiful tree standing there. On the bark of the tree was carved.

Yash Ajay Pratap
1973 - 1999

"Your daughter joined the army today." She said to the tree.

Oooh Ranjhanaa ve teri saanson pe
Thoda sa watan ka bhi haqq tha
Na dekh mujhe yun mud mud ke
Tera mera saath yahin takk tha

Oh Ranjha, On your breaths...
your motherland has a little right to
Don't look at me again and again,
our journey was destined to end here

Ye teri zameen, tere khoon se hi,
Toh sajti sanwarti hai raanjhe,
Tere ishq ki main haqdaar nahi,
Teri heer to dharti hai raanjhe,
Haaye ..

This is your motherland, with your blood, it decorates, it adorn itself, Ranjha
I am not worthy of your love
Your Heer is this land, Ranjha (Ooh)

"I miss you and I love you." She said and turned around and walked inside as a tear slipped from her eye.

Author's note:
You've absolutely no idea how much I have cried while writing this. Please express your views.