The clock struck 10 pm. Rajveer was siting in his garden outside his spacious house. Everything was quiet. The moon and stars were bright in the sky. It was chilly, not cold. Delhi's weather was never better. The flowers in his garden were swaying slightly. 

But Rajveer was not interested in feeling or even looking at any of these things. His heart was heavy. He breath was choked. He wanted to cry, but just couldn't. His mind was blank.

He looked down at the watch, just 2 more hours left for his 30th birthday to end. But he wasn't looking at the time. He was looking at he watch. Naina had bought it for him on their first Valentine's day after marriage.

"Me and You, just us two " said the engraving on the back.

Rajveer held the watch to his heart. He could still remember the last look she had given him, before crossing the border. She was going on an undercover mission with Gunny. She and gunny were posing as servants, husband and wife, going to work for a family, who were drug lords, and were suspected to have started terror activities as well. Their job was to get as much information as possible on these people. They had to go without any ammunition, and if they got caught, neither was going to come back.

Rajveer knew it would be dangerous, but he knew that she was a good soldier. And Captain Gunny would be there to protect her if anything went wrong. He knew they wouldn't be any communication with her for months. But he had put on a brave face when she told him she was assigned the mission, and encouraged her. At that time, he thought, she is going to be fine, how much more will fate test us anyway ?

But now, 8 months later,  sitting in the garden of his house , Rajveer is definitely not trusting his fate. 

He had heard the news. Someone, a woman, was shot in the drug lord's house. They had come to know her true identity and killed her. Nothing was confirmed yet. As soon as Rajveer heard it, he went to Major Samrat, the one handling Naina's mission  and asked for details.

Maj Samrat: Major Rajveer, please calm down. We just know a woman was shot. Nothing else. All these things about finding the identity are all rumors. Please don't panic. I am sure Lt Naina and Capt Gunny are fine.

Maj Rajveer: Maj Samrat. please...please tell me everything you know. Did Naina or Gunny contact you recently. Did you get any confirmation from them ?

Maj Samrat: You know I can't tell you the internal details of our mission. That is a rule.

Maj Rajveer: To hell with the rules...Maj Samrat, you know me , we have met socially...many times, do you think I will compromise your mission in anyway ? All I want to know is if my wife is ok ? If she is....alive? 

Major Samrat looked at him. Everyone knew how much Rajveer and Naina loved each other. Their happiness literally shone on their faces when they were with each other. Their struggle, their sacrifices , their love was kind of an epic legend in the army.

Major Samrat: Ok . Please sit down. As Gunny and Naina couldn't carry any equipment with them, we had made a plan on how we would communicate. Our internal sources there, hid a device in the wall at the market place. Every Sunday morning, one of them will go there, and send 2 flashes, which we receive here. Two flashes means both are fine.One means only one of them is. Last Sunday we recieved the two flashes. Yesterday, that is Tuesday, we received this news about some woman being shot. If on Sunday, we do not get the signal, we will move in, but policy is that if we get one, we have to stand back, and let the other person continue the mission. So, 4 more days, for Sunday. We cannot do anything before that.

Rajveer understood and accepted. All he could do was wait. Wait with faith, that somehow she was OK. He  tried to distract himself. Work, read. But this feeling of dread was not leaving his heart. How can he live without her. How ? She was his everything, his world. Why were they in the army, why couldn't they have been normal people, working a 9-5 job and coming back to each other every night.

Rajveer shook his head. His thoughts were going in random directions because of his desperation. Army was as much a part of them as their love. But how could he live without her if something happened to her. He would die, he would not want to live, he just cannot....

Naina's mom: Rajveer...tum yaha ho....mein pure ghar mein tumhe dhoond rahi hu...yeh lo....ye tumhare liye puch raha tha..

Saying this she handed over to him, the reason he should live no matter what. His 2 year old baby, his son - Naveen.

Rajveer picked him up and hugged him.

Rajveer (baby tone ): Kya hua beta...kya hua...Neend nahi aa rahi ?

Rajveer made him comfortable on his lap and stroked his hair. Naina's mom came next to him and sat down.

Mom: Kya hua rajveer, kal se dekh rahi hu, khoye hue ho ? Apne doston ke saath birthday dinner pe bhi nahi gaye...sab theek to hai naa?

Rajveer turned and looked at her. What could he tell her ? They already lost one son and went through hell. How will they live if something happens to Naina ?

Rajveer: Kuch nahi ma...bas Naina ki bohot yaad aa rahi hai....uske bagair birthday manane ka mann nahi kar raha...

Mom: Koi baat nai...uske aane ke baad, badi celebration karenge...kuch pata chala kab ayegi woh ?

Rajveer(thinking If she comes ): Nahi maa...abhi kuch pata nahi chala..

Mom: I hope Naveen ko hum school mein daalne se pehele aajaye...

Rajveer felt the fimilar choking feeling. Naveen's first day at school, his growing years, his annual days, PTA meetings.....how would he do it without her. These were the memories they should be sharing together.

"She is going to be fine. She is going to come back." he told himself firmly. 

Rajveer: Chalo maa..andar chalte hai...Naveen ko thand lag jayega.

He went inside the house. The landline rang. Who is calling at this time ? he thought. He picked up the phone.

Rajveer: Hello

On the other side: Hello

Rajveer' heart stopped. He could recognize the voice in his sleep. 

On the other side: Hello, kya mein Qureshi saab se baat kar sakti hu.

Rajveer: Wrong number.

On the other side: Maaf kijiye. 

He cut the call, put down Naveen and ruffeled his hair, a big smile breaking on his face. It was Naina. She was fine. She couldn't  not call on his birthday. She even apologized for doing it so late.

Happiness flooded his heart and soul. 

Rajveer: Maa...woh cake hai kya abhi bhi fridge mein....bhook lagi hai. :-)