Hello everyone!✋😄

I'm back with the next and last part. I haven't done any proofreading so there might be some typos. Beforehand sorry! Let's dive directly into the story. Hopefully you all will enjoy it. 🤞

Happy Reading!💚

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Uff! Where's she? I had left my boys' gang and started searching for Ankita for the last 20 minutes but still failing to get a glimpse of her. Damn! Where is she? I have nearly searched every nook and corner of the wedding venue but couldn't find her anywhere. Lord! She's a human, how can she just vanish into thin air that too in her own Sister's wedding. She is supposed to be present with her sister and her girls' gang but no, she is not there. I tried enquiring about her to a cousin but instead of telling she just started giving me smirks. Urghh... Not again. I can't deal with such teasing smirks now. So, I just got away from there and again started my searching spree. I have checked almost the whole venue except the part where sweets are being served separately from the dining area. Though I think the chances of her being there is nill because girls have this weird obsession of dieting and of course, sweets are a big no; still, I'm taking a chance. Partner, please help me in finding her. This is the last place left. Please help me, Lord. I sent a silent prayer and sprinted towards that part.

And yet again like always my Partner didn't disappoint me. Yes, SHE is here. Thank you so much, Partner! You're great. But to my surprise, she is gobbling up Gulab Jamuns one after another without any break. Aren't girls always dieting freaks? And here she is taking so much of sweets. She managed to shatter my misconception unknowingly. And I guess the pull towards her in my being even got more strength. I repeat, she is something else. Then I saw that she is fanning her hands near her mouth. Ou yeah she has eaten that spicy food and therefore she's here. Hehehehe. This is what happens when you try to mess with Major Sushant. Huh! I patted myself internally. Okay, Major! Now let's have some fun.

I tiptoed towards her who is standing in a corner with a bowl full of Gulab jamun and as there are a lot of people around us no one noticed me. I stood just behind her with an ample amount of distance but she was still oblivious to my presence as she was cherishing that Gulab Jamun. I leaned forward towards her ear and cooed," I didn't know that you love Gulab Jamun because sweets usually make an individual sweet. But you're certainly not sweet...." she instantly turned around while I stepped back. Her face held a bewildered expression which changed to a whatever look after hearing my next words. I continued while scanning her with my eyes from top to bottom,"...Ummm rather the word 'Mitthi Churi' suits you" and ended up with a smirk. But one thing is certain, the Fuchsia colour looks damn gorgeous on her. She folded her hands near her chest keeping aside the bowl and asked me," Care to explain what is the great mister...Ummm whatever your name is, doing here? And about the stupid name you have just given me, think what you want to because I don't care." ended with a sarcastic smile. Uhmmm so she wants to shoo me off from here. Not so soon though. I replied while adjusting my collar," First, I'm Sushant" while she gave me whatever look."Second, like you, I came here to have some sweet but unlike you, I will have little sweets." I said eyeing her bowl while she was shooting daggers at me. "Lastly, the name suits you, my lady. And yeah it's pleasure to meet you, Miss. Ankita" I finished extending my hands for a hand-shake but she again gave me a sarcastic smile and walked past me saying, "First of all, I'm not your lady. And sadly your presence is not at all pleasing me. So, bye". Oh, God! She is indeed a tough nut. But I'm also nothing less. 

She started sprinting away from there but I followed her. Is she a sprinter? Because she's walking no correction, she is running so fast that it's becoming difficult to catch up with her. Huh! Then I took long strides and in no time I blocked her way. " Hey! Are you afraid of me? I'm not a devil who will eat you up" I said with a questioning look. She said," I'm not afraid of you although you are indeed looking like a devil. Now please move aside because I have a lot of chores. I would have taught you a good lesson by now but the place and occasion are in your favour. Huh!" while glaring at me and whispering the last line. She wanna intimidate me. Huh! She started walked away while I followed her yet again. When I reached her she whispered," Why are you following me? See there is a lot of gathering here and I don't want to face scrutinizing gazes and of course, baseless gossips. So, please stop doing that and go back to Akash Jiju" while watching here and there & almost pleading me. To which I replied loudly enough to attract the attention of others presents there," Hey! I just wanted to ask the wedding planners name. That's it. And that's the reason I'm following you but you're giving me attitude. Huh!"  I did that just to clarify others about my presence so that there won't be any gossips at the wedding. And the thing which I got in return is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen- Her Smile. Yes, she smiled so beautifully and I almost skipped a heartbeat. God! Her smile is as exquisite as the Fuchsia. Uff! She must have understood my intent behind replying so loudly and before she could reply to my query, an elderly lady answered while I turned towards that lady," Aare the wedding planner is standing right in front of you. Ankita is the wedding planner herself"

And it shocked me to the core. She's the freaking wedding planner!!!! It's a big shocker for me. That means either Fuchsia is her favourite as well or it's just a part of the decoration. But her attire is telling a different story( she have worn a Fuchsia colour lehenga). So, is it her fav like me? I got very excited but before I could have questioned her, I found out that she has already flown away from there while I was in my world thinking about her smile. I again looked here and there but she just disappeared into thin air. Partner, is she a girl or a magician? I shook my head and started heading back to my gang but not before thanking that lady. Manners you see! *winks*

My mind is totally occupied by her. Fuchsia...Ankita...Tashan...Spicy Food...Gulab Jamun...Mithi Churi...Devil...Following her...Her smile...Wedding planner. Everything is running in my being from the start. In a short time, she has occupied my mind. This is insane! I reached my boys' gang while thinking about all the things and joined them. They queried about my sudden disappearance but I gave them an excuse that I went away to get some water. All of them didn't ponder more upon it but Lakshya and Akash are giving me a we-know-that-you-are-lying look. Urghhh... I ignored those looks and started mingling and enjoying. We talked, ate, teased each other, made fun of each other, got down the memory lane together and a load of other things. The best thing about this event for me is that I met my friends after a long time and we are enjoying right now. It will help me when I'll go back to my base camp back in Udhampur and step into my Major shoes. The life there is difficult but with these lovely memories, I'll be able to survive there till the next holiday. Thank you, Partner, for making this holiday yet again a memorable one like the previous ones. Thank you very much!

It has been some time that my eyes are only following my Fuchsia girl. Just a few minutes ago she along with her father and Akash's mother came to us and took away Akash for the wedding rituals. I have been noticing her from way before her arrival to fetch Akash, she was managing everything from attending guests to attending her Bhabhi to helping her Mom to ensure everything is in it's the place in the mandap to keeping an eye on the food counters and a lot of other things. As the wedding planner of her own Sister's wedding, it was getting hectic for her to manage everything on the spot but with the help of her support staff, she is managing everything efficiently. After making Akash comfortable at the mandap, she's now heading towards some issue which has arisen as informed by her staff. I'm spying on her so I eavesdropped about that. After all, I'm a Major, I know the importance of being informed in every case and here it's essential. I silently followed her like I was doing for last one hour and suddenly she stopped by a child who was giving a hard time to her mother while eating. She was not ready to take a single bite and her mother is getting pissed off. Ankita saw that, picked up that girl and started talking to her in a babyish tone. She started tickling her and the little girl is laughing heartily now. I couldn't hear their talks as I'm at a distance but by the look of it, it's understandable that she got successful in manofying that little soul. That girl got down from Ankita, went towards her mother placed a kiss on her Mother's cheek and apologised to her for her behaviour. Then started eating the food from her mother's hand. Ankita smiled when that lady mouthed thanks to her and went away to solve the issue. God! She is so caring and loving yaar. I'm right now smiling from ear to ear after witnessing such a cute scene. She has that aura and pleasantness with her that can make anyone smile. I have to agree even though our first convo was a sort of argument but the at first sight of her near the gate I had a smile on my face after a glimpse of her. She's just awesome. 

I got lost in my thoughts that I again missed her trace as she went away. Major let's find her. After a search of nearly 4-5 minutes, I found her again. She is right now having a hearty laugh along with her father. I guess the issue has got tended by Ankita and it's all good now. I can see another elderly person appreciating her for her efforts, intelligence and presence of mind, while like a proud parent her Father is getting overwhelmed with pride. The other person patted her head blessing her and went away, then her father took her into a bear hug admiring her simultaneously. She pulled away after some time and reprimanded him not to place her in a high place because it's her right and duty to help him. She again went on saying a lot of things but he finally made her stop by folding his hand into a namaste to stop her lecture. And they both burst into a peal of laughter the very next moment. I must say she is an ideal daughter which is very evident. 

Ahaaaan! This girl has so many shades of her personality. Like Fuchsia, which has a lot of variety and shades, Ankita also has the same trait. She has so many colours in her being. But the most vibrant one is the liveliness which resembles my fav shade of Fuchsia( you can see in the picture above). That's the most attractive thing about her. She is one of a kind!

Soon we returned to the mandap, me being far away from her. She joined her girl's gang and is having a gala time with them. Hayeee! So cute she is. I wanna talk to her right now. Let's go! I started heading towards her when another girl approached her and whispered something in her ears while pointing towards the place where my boys' gang are settled. Hain? But why? I'm damn sure they're up to something yet again. Something is cooking in Ankita's mind but now what? All the things are over now, right? Or am I missing something? Think Sushant, think! Ummm... what is it?...... Is there any ritual left? Oh yeah! The main ritual is left now apart from the wedding. The JOOTA CHURAYI! Damn, how can I forget about it? I need to ensure this time that nothing goes wrong and our gangs' respect shouldn't be harmed this time. So, I scurried away towards my Sheras before the girls' gang could work out a plan.

I reached and immediately asked," Guys! What about Joota churayi ritual? Have you all planned anything? Or are y'all just chilling and idling? in a hushed tone but managed to take their attention from the wedding rituals going on there.

They all gave me a disgusted look and turned back their attention towards the wedding except Lakshya who replied with a sarcastic smile," Bro we aren't like you, who's so lost in his own newfound Fuchsia that he totally forgot about his gang. But don't worry, we are much intelligent you know. We all have kept the Jootis of Akash securely" while pointing towards a box kept just beneath his seat. I smiled a little and apologised to him to which he said that was okay as long as the situation is under control. I sighed in relief but something in my being is telling me that something is definitely fishy. I want to ignore it but is unable to do that. So, I asked Laskshya to show me the Jootis, he agreed and took out the box from under the seat. We both opened it only to find out that the Jootis are missing. Oh shit! They must have stolen it long ago which explains the excitement and reactions of Ankita. Damn! I was so right. Soon all the boys got to know that the most important thing is missing and is definitely hijacked from us by the girls' gang. But this isn't the time to regret, it's time to work out a plan and get hold of those Jootis. My mind raced and soon I declared," Guys! I have a plan. So, calm down. Hear me out............" telling them my plan. They all agreed hearing it and soon we all got into action. I and Lakshya have a task at hand that is to distract Ankita so that she won't become a hurdle in our plan. Ankita just wait and watch! Major Sushant is coming to ruin your plan. We both soon dispersed in search of her...

According to our plan, Lakshya approached her first saying someone wants to meet her while pointing towards me as I'm standing a bit far from them. When she saw me I flashed my best smile but she directly said," I'm not interested and moreover I'm required here". She's a difficult girl, I signalled Lakshya to say further and he complied. He asked her," Actually he wants to apologise for his previous behaviour. He's really feeling guilt and wants your forgiveness. I know he's annoying as hell but I'm assuring you he won't mess further with you." Hearing his words she pondered upon it then glanced towards me to which I folded my hands mouthing a, please. "Please, Miss. Ankita" Lakshya also pitched in. "Okay fine! But just for a few minutes and if he starts again then I won't leave both of you. You get that?" she replied while caressing her hands to warn us. Lakshya gulped down and nodded furiously, then escorted her to me. They reached me in no time and before leaving us alone he mouthed an 'All the best' to me. Partner, please be with me!

She stood beside me and turned towards the mandap watching the ongoing rituals. We both stood there for some time, no words exchanged. I want to break the silence but is unable to do so. Dang! She suddenly said," You wanted to apologise. Right? So why are you mute now? Speak up! I don't a lot of time for you" in an annoying tone. Yaar! This girl always remains hot-headed like this or is it a special treatment to me only. Huh! I shrugged and started," Actually I do want to apologise but was unable to form words. I'm sorry for my rude behaviour. And you also had to eat that spicy food because of me so once again I'm sorry. And I guess I can say this only". Damn! Come on Sushant say something more or else she will go away and all your plan will be destroyed. But to my surprise, she didn't leave and smiled while saying," It's okay. But you shouldn't be the one asking for 'Sorry' rather it should be me to do so. You were just protecting your friend. I suffered because my plan backfired as there was you who sniffed my plan quickly and I wasn't prepared for some possibility like that so had to ate that. It's none of your faults, but one thing is certain". I gave her a questing looking and she continued," Though my plan got backfired but not fully I was eventually successful in achieving my goal and that too against an opponent like you, Major" while ended up with a victory smile.

I'm left flabbergasted. How the hell she knows about my occupation? How? Seeing my surprised she stated," Don't get surprised, Major Sushant. I have ears and just heard your gang calling you Major rather than by your name sometime before. So, got to know that from there and don't worry I don't know nothing more about you...." while I sighed in relief but her next words which she whispered, caught me off-guard," Though I want to know more about you". Is she impressed by me? Clearing my thought I said by going near her ears when she was tucking a hair strand," Well I heard that what you said right now" and winked when she faced me. The next moment her cheeks turned into the darkest shade of red and she immediately averted her gaze. I smiled ear to ear seeing her reaction. After that again silence took place yet she didn't leave. I kind off like this silence between us, it's so peaceful and beautiful to have her by my side. This attraction is giving me a different pleasure about which I was unaware of. I came to her with a different intention but I guess now that has changed. I'm no longer trying to just distract her or keep her away from the Jootis. I want more time with her right now. 

This time I broke the silence as my gaze fell upon the huge canopy of Fuchsia decorated at the top of the mandap giving a surreal look to it and I got reminded of the question which was raised due to her. I asked her," You love Fuchsia? Right? I'm guessing it because there's a lot of Fuchsias decorated here and also you have adorned the same colour lehenga. So Ankita, am I right or am I right?" with a questioning smile. She laughed and nodded then said," Yes I just love them. Fuchsia and my vibes match at every level. The vibrant colours and liveliness just attract me so much. These are my favourite flowers, so much favourite that I always make sure that in every event of mine I include at least a pinch of these. And this event is my Di's wedding so how could I not have included them." Yes! I was so right about her, she loves the flower as much as I do. She looks mad for them as much as I am. I replied with a huge smile," Gosh! Fuchsia is my fav too. The things you just said are so similar to what I think about them. I love them. You know the day I came across them I got so smitten by them that the next day I planted them in my garden and took care of them from my teenage to the day I left for my job. I miss them as much I miss my family when I get back to J&K" with an excited tone and forwarded my hands for a hifi, to which she immediately complied with. Her hands came in contact and something like an electric current passed down my spine. Uff! Is this girl casting a magic spell on me?

I shook my thoughts and looked upon her only to find some similar kind of flustered expression like me. I was just going to say something to ease out the things when the pandit Ji declared that the wedding is over and asked Akash and Bhabhi to take blessing from the elders. Hearing that Ankita excused herself, hurried towards them and I did that too. Shit! Again I lost the chance to talk to her for a longer time. Damn you Sushant! You should have talked more instead of staying silent for those two times. 

I was busy chiding when I heard some loud sound towards my left. I turned towards it only to witness Lakshya with one jooti and another girl maybe Bhabhi's cousin with the other jooti. Shit! I completely forgot about my plan as I got lost in the talks with Ankita. Damn! One single thing was allotted to the boys that just to get back the Jootis from the girl gang but they couldn't complete it and are right now behaving like children by fighting with each other. Soon the whole of the girl gang and the boys' gang got involved in it as each has got one Jooti from the pair. Now it has become an open WAR. Right now is the time to get hold of the command. I immediately hurried towards the place where the fiasco was going on and at the same time Ankita also reached there. Woah! Same timing.Nice! I glanced towards Akash and Bhabhi who were giving me and Ankita a please-help-us look. We both nodded at the same time and seeing that Akash gave me a teasing smirk. This guy! Huh! Leave him Sushant you have a war right now in front of you, let's get into it.

I intervened," Hey! Wait! Stop fighting like cats and dogs and don't contribute towards the noise pollution which is very much high already". Ankita said," Yes Ruchi, stop fighting. I know they will surely give us the nek(gift) in return of the jooti" winking at the girl who had one jooti in her hand. I immediately retorted," Oye Fuch...I mean Ankita, we aren't going to give any sort of nek to y'all. After all, you have only one Jooti whereas the other one is safe with us" while hifi-ing with Lakshya. "Oh, really? As if Akash jiju can walk without one jooti while wearing the one with you. And by the way, it's Jiju whose gonna give us the nek, not you! So, why are you all interfering in this matter? It's between us Saalis and our Jiju. Major step back or else..." she said while caressing her hand to frighten me. "Oh no, I'm afraid of  Miss. Ankita. Please spare me..." with a mocking tone and continued," And for your kind information Akash is our friend and obviously we want to protect him and his pocket as well. Right Guys?" with all my swag and asked my gang while they cheered up for me. Hearing the cheer for me the girls' gang started cheering for Ankita, their so-called leader. And again the war of words started between the two gangs.

 I said," Ankita you know that we have the other one with us so technically no one won and it's a tie. So, back out girls!" 

She said, "Oh so now you wanna pacify me. But sadly it's not working. We are not gonna back out. Either give us the other Jooti or the nek first and then only we will give the Jooti that's with us" with a determination.

"What you will do if we don't do that? Come on! Give us the Jooti so that your Jiju dearest will not suffer anymore. Think about your sister also. What type of Sister you are? Huh?" I mocked her and my boys laughed out aloud. 

" Oh don't worry about my sister. I know she's with us..." she said while glancing towards Bhabhi to which she readily agreed, then she continued," See. Your Bhabhi dearest has no problem. And the one who should be concerned in this scenario is Jiju, who is gonna walk without the Jootis. So, if y'all want to see your dear friend suffering then we don't have any problem. We just want our nek that's it!Give us the Nek and get your Jooti back" ending with a smirk. 

I replied," Haww! Akash you're so unlucky. See what type of Saalis have you got, they are ready to make you suffer. Tauba Tauba!" dramatically and my gang repeated after me," Tauba Tauba!" Everyone present there were enjoying the entertainment served to them. The girls retorted at once and my boys didn't step back as well. Again chaos took place. I have already said, it's a WAR! A freaking WAR!

As everyone was busy fighting, I leaned forward and whispered near Ankita's ear whose back is facing me as she is arguing with someone," You know, you look more attractive with that red nose and ear due to your anger. Hayee!" She turned immediately trying to hide her red cheeks from me but is failing miserably. After composing herself she said in a low tone," Stop flirting Major! It doesn't suit you especially when you're in the middle of a War. I know you're trying to distract me but I'm not a dumbo. You get that!" back in her tigress avatar. Gosh! She's just awesome. Due to these antics and Fuchsia connection between us, the attraction is getting more strength in my being. Uff! How I'm gonna handle this, Partner. No one witnessed this exchange between us and she immediately stepped away from me.

After witnessing this chaos for some time the elders intervened to make the much-required peace but no one is ready to do that. They tried a lot but none of the sides stepped back. Then Akash's father suggested," Children let's have a final face-off. Like a game. Both the Jootis will be placed in the centre and one person from both the sides will be appointed by each gang. They have to take away both the jootis and have to make Akash wear those, the one who will get success in this will be the winner. If girls' gang will win then Akash will have to give them the Nek but if they will lose then no Nek. Simple. What say?" Yeah now this will be a good tie-breaker. Both the sides agreed immediately. My gang chose me for representing them while Ankita was chosen by the girls' side. Ummm this is gonna be interesting!

Soon according to the suggested game everything got settled for my and Ankita's faceoff. The jootis in the middle, me and Ankita face each other waiting for the signal by Uncle. I'm giving Ankita a smirk while showing her a thumbs down and the next thing she did just left me so shocked that I couldn't do anything. She winked at me! Really! Yes! She winked, I can't believe this but this is true. I'm in heaven right now for sure. Then suddenly out of blue, Uncle screamed," Go!" And in the next moment, Ankita snatched away the Jootis in a lightning speed ready to sprint towards Akash. That jerked me out of my trance. Shit! I messed up yet again. Without any second thought, I sprinted behind her to take the Jootis from her. Damn! She's so fast. Is she a Leopard or what? I managed to catch up with her but she was quick to dodge me and my attempts to get the Jootis from her. 

We were running here and there around the mandap, me trying to get hold of the jootis and she is busy dodging me. She challenged me saying," Haw! Major, you're not able to catch me. Ale le le where's your physical strength and agility? Hmm?" and that is the last nail in the coffin. I immediately rushed towards her, managed to get hold of her right hand and pulled her towards me. But my luck was not with me then. The moment she collided with me, I don't know how my Mobile phone got slipped out of my pocket fell on the ground and started ringing. Due to this my grip on her hand loosened and she manages to escape from my hold, then sprinted towards Akash. I was going to stop her from reaching but the name flashing on my phone stopped me in my tracks. It showed BRIGADIER. I silently cursed Brigadier Khan's timing. Couldn't he wait for some time? What the hell has happened now that he is ringing me when I'm off duty. Urghhh! That too at the most important time. Damn!

I picked it up and moved to a secluded area while showing my gang my phone and they understood what had happened. I sighed and picked up the call while watching Ankita who is helping Akash with the Jootis and the girls' gang receiving their Nek. Phewww! You lost it, Major!

As soon as I picked the call, Brigadier started giving me the Infos and other stuff. I'm hearing each word. But my eyes are etched upon Ankita and her happiness filled laughter. Aww, my Fuchsia girl! She's as vibrant and lively as Fuchsia. Her smile is so pretty. But I have to leave right now!

Without informing anyone about my whereabouts I exited from the venue after having a last glance at Ankita. I dropped a text to Lakshya that I have to leave for J&K as soon as possible hence I'm leaving early. Yes! I'm leaving.  There's some movement of enemy detected near eastern borders and I have been transferred to Leh sector as the commanding officer. My holidays are cancelled and I'm required there by tomorrow evening. I will have to directly report at my new posting and also have to take up the charge immediately. 

This is the life of an Army officer. In these types of emergencies, we have to act fast and take the charge soon or else the consequences will be worse. The army has already seen many wars before and from past experiences, we were trained for such possibilities already. I'm very much ready to go back to work, after all, it's for Motherland's call. But leaving behind my mother and family so suddenly is difficult. I informed them about the situations and is right now leaving. Maa is shedding tears and watching her Shruti hugged me tightly. Papa has kept a straight face and is trying to console Maa and Shruti. One glance at him and I know that he is very sad but is trying to be strong for us. He assured me by blinking his eyes and I nodded. I headed out and my eyes fell on my lovelies: Fuchsia. It immediately reminded me of Ankita. Huff! I guess the attraction will have to remain as an Infatuation only. It was destined I guess. I'm gonna miss you terribly this time lovelies, thanks to my Fuchsia lady. And yes thanks to you as well.

I cleared my thoughts and sat in the cab waiting for me to take me to the airport. I waved goodbye and the cab zoomed off. I never knew! I never knew that it will be my last holiday, the last meet with my family and friends, last see off with my love Fuchsia and last encounter with Ankita as well.......

Because I will be coming back to them wrapped in the mighty TRICOLOUR!

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So, how's it?😲🤔

Finally, it's over. I know I'm a bit late in updating the next part. Please pardon me. And yeah about the ending, it was not planned at first but it just struck me last night. That's why I couldn't help but include it. 😅

I hope you all will like it. If yes, then please don't forget to vote and comment as well. I will love to read your thoughts and views on this. Inline comments are most welcome! I'm a beginner so any kind of advice from seniors and juniors is also most welcome. 🤗

For more stories like this, please add this book to your reading list. But don't forget to vote. Please! And yeah give your review, don't be a silent reader. Even if you are finding it boring then do drop a word in the comments section. It will help me in improving writing and coming up with more interesting stuff. Come On! Don't be silent. I'll try to come up with a new story on Infatuation soon...😄

Till then bubyeee...

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~Signing off: Akankshya~
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