Saturday 14 September 2013

Whispers of Spring.....Chapter 3

Chapter 3



The long-forgotten chill hit her to the bones when she found herself imprisoned against a man’s body. She reacted instinctively. “Let me go. Oh God! Let me go…let me go.” She struggled with a rising panic and pushed the arm away forcefully, elbowing his stomach hard in a desperate bid to get away. She was suddenly loose. She had scampered away toward the bonnet when she heard him, “For God’s sake! What’s wrong with you?” She spun around to find Raj rubbing a hand over his midriff and bending to pick up his walking stick.

She rushed back to pick it up, “Oh my God! It was you. I am so sorry. Here let me do it for you.”
“Leave it Ma’am. I am not an invalid. I can take care of myself.” He chided brusquely.

Raj straightened and looked her way to find her staring away from him. All the words of rebuke died in his tongue as he stared at her. Her haunted, anguished, pain-filled countenance arrested whatever he was going to say. He let out a ragged breath and suddenly recalled the first time he saw her. She had looked petrified then too, and had pushed him away. What makes her react so violently to his touch?

Raj took a step forward and raised his hand, only to drop it. “Ma’am,” he spoke softly, “Are you alright?”

She blinked and lifted her gaze to his; her beautiful eyes fringed with heavy lashes were shiny as she fought to gain control. The dancing lights in the inky depths were mesmerizing. Raj muttered a soft oath under his breath and deliberately broke off his line of thought…even as his mind, the rational part, signaled an alarm louder than the temple bells. She took a deep breath and turned.

“Naina.” She held out her hand, “My name is Naina, and I am not a politician.”

“What?” He stared fascinated at the slow smile that spread across her face, which rapidly turned into a grin.

“You called me Naina when you rescued me. I think I find that better than the 'Ma’am.' The way you say 
Ma’am makes me feel like a politician with a manifesto. And since we are going to be socially acquainted tonight, don’t you think we should drop all the formalities…Sir??”

For the first time in his life, Raj was completely tongue-tied, as he saw her bounce back to her merry self in seconds. He stood transfixed at her transformation. This woman was out to prove all his well-laid beliefs wrong. Just when he thought he had her figured out, she turned back and did something unexpected. She was a mass of contradictions…Brave. Sassy. Intelligent. Cheerful. Witty. Caring. Uncompromising with her beliefs. Tender and sweet with children. Savvy professional. For the love of God, she drives a jeep. And for a brief moment, terror struck, as if innumerable demons had surrounded her, showing a vulnerability and then quickly covering it up…as if that particular window was supposed to stay closed and hidden.

Naina was trembling as she plastered a smile on her face and stretched out her hand, for the first time ever to a man. She had no idea why she did it, but she knew that she had to somehow make amends to this man for even thinking for one moment that he was like them. For all his haughtiness, he was an honorable person and didn’t deserve actions borne out of her fears.

Raj stared at her small hand, and then slowly raised his to engulf hers in a firm grip. He felt a jolt run through him. Her hands were icy, and he had this sudden urge to rub her palms and warm them. He had sensed raw fear in her when she had suddenly fought him. He wanted to know why…and he wanted to know who!!!
Raj shrugged off the questions surrounding him. They have to wait. He smiled, still holding her hand, “Naina it is then. And please call me Raj. Shall we go in?”

Naina felt a warmth spread inside her as she saw her hand disappear in his big one. All her nervousness vanished. She felt safe. And when he took back his hand and turned toward the mahal, she felt a sense of loss. She frowned at the contradictory emotions churning inside her. She looked at his broad back and realized he hadn’t asked her anything and that she owed him an apology, if nothing else.

She fell into step beside him and said, “Raj, I am sorry for my behavior. I....actually I thought someone had attacked me.”
“Yes…so you hit me. By the way you pack quite a mean blow with that elbow.” He looked sideways at her, pointing at his stomach, “Don’t you ever think before giving into self-defense?”
She abruptly halted and put her hands on her hips, “You are a grand one to say that. The other night you almost mauled me with your assassin move.”
“Mauled you? If you forget, you were going to hit me with a stick.”
“I told you I thought you were…”

Their argument halted, as the door opened and beeji’s voice rang out across the shadows of the pathway, “Naina, is that you? Is Raj with you?”

Naina saw Raj turn swiftly and then an expression of pure joy crossed his face, “Beeji!!!”

He rushed to her and engulfed her in a bear hug. Beeji was laughing and crying at the same time.
Raj stepped back and held her by the shoulders, “Let me look at you pretty woman. Gosh! You are still the same…I can bet that even today there’s no girl in Palampur who matches your ethereal beauty.”
Beeji smacked his arm with a giggle, “Stop it Raj! You too haven’t changed. Still the flatterer.”
“A lot has changed beeji,” suddenly somber, he bent to kiss her forehead and give her a squeeze, “But I am so glad to see you again.”
Beeji cupped his cheek, “Now that you are here, everything will be fine. I am so happy you listened to 
Meenakshiji and decided to take charge of your heritage here. Your mother, bless her soul, will be at peace up there. Raj, life tends to throw a curve ball just when things start losing their perspective….just to alter your path to a direction that was meant for you all the time.”

Raj glanced at Naina, who was looking at them with a mix of surprise and wonder, and whispered, “I am beginning to believe that. I am glad I took this decision beeji.”
***************************************

“Good evening, Sir!”
“Good evening, young man! May I know your name?”
“I am Aditya Singh Bhatia. I am six years old. My mumma says I may be young but I am the man of the house.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr Aditya Singh Bhatia. I am much honored.”
The two men solemnly shook hands on that…So what if the tall man had to bend a little even as the pint-sized one pulled himself up ramrod straight to his full height in order to meet the first soldier of his life.

They had come in to find Adi explaining something to Tanu whose wide eyes looked at him in rapt attention. On seeing them, Adi had jumped up and murmured something to Tanu who nodded her head. Looking handsome in jeans and a tucked-in checked shirt, he proceeded to march up to Raj and introduced himself with such seriousness that Naina found it hard to hold back the proud smile. She sneaked a glance at Raj; not a single muscle twitched on his face as he met her son. It was as if he was used to little boys coming up to him and introducing themselves so ceremoniously.

In the meantime, Tanu had run across to Naina, who bent to pick her up, “Hey Tanu! Did you meet Adi bhaiya and beeji?”
Tanu nodded as she touched the danglers Naina was wearing. “Did you tell bhaiya about your day in school?” In response Tanu shook her head and buried her face in Naina’s neck. Raj and beeji had proceeded toward the sofa, but Adi heard his mother.
“Uffo mumma! Tanu is very shy. She doesn’t speak much…She will tell me when she feels right. I told her I will help her with everything. After all I am older and I know everyone and all the places. Right Tanu?”
Tanu nodded and slid down Naina’s lap to stand beside Adi, who took her hand and said, “Mumma says you got a new rabbit today? Furry…right? Will you show me?”
He was awarded with a smile as she tucked at his hand and turned toward the kitchen. Adi stopped, “Wait a sec Tanu. I’ll just be back.”
As Naina went and sat next to beeji, Adi went to Raj, “Sir…”
“Err Aditya, you may call me Raj uncle.”
“But I want to learn soldiering from you, and all soldiers call their officers ‘Sir.’ ” His lips trembled just a little as his voice lowered to a whisper, “Does that mean you won’t teach me?”
Raj reached out and pulled him closer, “Of course I’ll teach you whatever you want to learn, Aditya. OK…let’s do one thing. You call me Sir when we are talking about soldiering and rest of the time I’ll be plain uncle. Is that fine with you?”
Adi looked at him gravely for a few seconds and then smiled, “Yes…OK. And you can call me Adi.”
“Great. We have an agreement then.”
“Raj uncle, I have to go with Tanu to meet Furry. Is it OK if I ask you a few questions later? Mumma asked me not to trouble you too much on the first day, otherwise you might….” He turned as Naina intervened, her cheeks painted pink, “Adi, Tanu is waiting.”

Adi looked at Raj, who nodded, “Go ahead Adi…We’ll have a chat later.” Adi turned as Tanu came and slipped her hand into his and guided him toward the kitchen where Furry’s temporary home lay in the form of a towel-cushioned little box. Raj turned to look at Naina, who was suddenly interested in the large painting on the opposite wall and was already walking toward it.

He realized beeji was asking him something about settling down. He smiled at her, “Beeji, we are fine. It’s not that I had to set up a house here. Whatever luggage is left will arrive in a week’s time. There was an ongoing truckers’ strike in all of Rajasthan, that’s why I couldn’t see to the loading of the boxes myself. Somsinhji will ensure the dispatch. You remember Somsinhji?”
“Of course Raj! He was the one who always accompanied you on your annual vacations here. Your father Ranaji ensured your protection all the time.” Beeji took his hands in hers, “I sometimes forget you are a Kunwar, heir to your father’s riyasat, Devisar.”
“C’mon Beeji. I don’t expect you to believe in kings and kingdoms. These are modern times. I can’t help being born in a family that once ruled Devisar….I don’t remember much of my own mother, but nanasa, nanisa, and you together made me the person I am. What you taught remained with me, and not what they tried to drill in me in Devisar palace. You have no idea how much I looked forward to coming here every year. I breathed freely among these mountains and valleys.”
“Yet you haven’t come in the past seven years.”
“Professional obligations Beeji. I had two back-to-back tenures in remote areas of Kashmir. When my men couldn’t get as much leave as they were entitled to, how could I think of it. When I would get a few days off, I had to go to Devisar. In any case the last two years I was….” He stopped, shaking his head. Naina had heard all as she leant against the wall in the shadows, not wanting to disturb them.
Beeji patted Raj’s hands, “I know Raj….I know. Let’s just stop talking about the past. You are here, and that is what matters.”
“I am sorry that I didn’t dash over to meet you as soon as I was here. But it took me a day to track down Mr Mishra, the old Estate manager. Nanisa had wanted me to look into a few documents urgently. Then there was Tanu. She needed me to settle her in a new place. She is quite wary around strangers.” He glanced at Naina who was now stepping out of the French windows into the dome-shaped verandah, “I didn’t know you were the aunt Naina spoke about. All the years that I knew you, I don’t remember you mentioning her.”
Beeji got up, “It’s a long story Raj. There are pieces even I don’t know of. I respect her privacy. Perhaps one day….” Her eyes glistened, “I’ll go and see where the kids are. And Raj…(as he looked up)…I haven’t told her anything.”
He nodded, “I know Beeji….I never doubted you would.”
*************************************************

Raj got up and walked out to Naina and handed her a glass of juice. She was looking out into oblivion and murmured a thanks without turning. Raj waited for her to say something, but she ran her forefinger over the rim of her glass and kept quiet.
“That has to be a first.” He goaded.
Her head shot up, “What?”
“That you fall short of words.”
“Sometimes silence is more eloquent, Colonel.” She looked at him through her lashes. The fact was his closeness with beeji had moved her. She had no idea beeji was so involved in Raj’s life. But then beeji was good at keeping everyone’s secrets…even hers.
“So…what might I have done?”
“What? What are you talking about?” Naina’s breath caught in her throat as she looked squarely at him. More than his flawless features, it was the balance in their placement that created such a striking whole. His strong face cut complemented the high cheek bones and a fine straight nose. Yet his eyes were the most arresting features. They were dark wells of intelligence and…did she detect a hint of amusement glinting in their depths? Most likely. Dressed in a black shirt and black trousers, he looked the royal that he was as he leaned against a round pillar with his hands in his pockets. A couple of locks of hair had loosened over his forehead, and Naina found herself wanting to reach out and brush them away. A wave of shock passed through her at the waywardness of her thoughts. She turned away in panic and took a sip from her drink, trying to steady herself. What was wrong with her? She had no right to stare down that road, leave alone step on it. Never…never.

“What did you say to Adi? That I turn into an ogre if someone troubles me?”
She turned at that, her eyes flashing, “Of course not! Regardless of your views about women, I don’t do nasty. I just told Adi that you might get irritated and upset.”
“Irritated and upset…huh! Certainly not the characteristics of an ogre….so what are?”
“Angry without a reason, jumping to conclusions and acting without thinking, unfriendly, prejudiced, snobbish…,” She broke off and looked at him with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, “Am I allowed to have second thoughts?”

Before he could think of an appropriate rejoinder, she laughed…the musical lilt blew away his senses to numbness. The sound came from inside her. He had never seen a lady laugh with such gaiety and abandonment and yet look so daintily feminine.

She hiccupped to a halt and kept her glass on the parapet, “S...sorry about that. I couldn’t help it.” He was looking at her strangely…probably thinking she was nuts. She straightened herself and said, “OK…you can say it. I won’t mind. I promise.”
“Say what?”
“What you are thinking? That how can a woman of my position (gesturing air quotes) behave like a…” She stopped as he kept a finger on her lips and whispered, “Shush! Now who is jumping to conclusions?”

He dropped his hand as the kids came running. Adi stood in front of Raj, “Uncle, is this the right time?”
Raj extended his hand, “Come soldier…let’s take a walk to the armory room and talk there.” Adi tossed a wide grin at his mother and Tanu, who was back in Naina’s lap, before latching onto the large hand and striding away.

Naina had no time to think as Tanu told her that Beeji was calling her.

After dinner, Beeji got ready to go back, “I shall expect you to come home soon Raj. I want to show you the flowers.” She gave him her hand, “We had a lovely evening here. I adore your little girl. She has your features and temperament. I am looking forward to spending some time with her. We have to go now. Naina has to leave for Kangra early in the morning.”
“Kangra? I have to go there too. I have a meeting with the manager of our tea gardens there.”
Beeji looked at Naina, who was standing behind Raj holding a half-asleep Tanu and shaking her head vigorously in a silent message, and asked innocently, “Err Naina…do you want to say something?”
Naina shot daggers at Beeji and said inelegantly, “Who? Me? No.”
“Hmmm! OK.” Beeji turned toward Raj who looked somewhat puzzled, “So Raj if you both are going to the same destination, why don’t you go together?”
Raj looked at Naina, who was still gaping at Beeji, “What do you say Naina? Is it OK by you? Or you have other plans?”
“Other plans? What other plans? I have to go to both the Homes.”
“Right then. It’ll give me an opportunity to visit the Homes as well. I’ll pick you up at eight then. Is that OK?” He took Tanu from her arms and smiled.
“Yes. Fine.” She gritted through her teeth. Throughout the dinner she had strengthened her resolution by repeating to herself, “Keep Distance.” And here she was….stuck with him for an entire day. What was Beeji thinking?
***********************************


To be continued……

37 comments:

  1. i m rosey di
    wow wow wow di
    i just loved it this update gave us rajs self which we r not aware off in previous updates i just found him as angry young man........but he is so different ..........actually i like his self now......

    and naina she is an angel

    i m surprised that raj was the one raj hold on from falling down.......but nainas reaction was completely shocking......i felt that she suffered a lot in past and had put so much efforts to come out of her fears but still her past is haunting her.....

    lovely thing is raj- naina felt something different for each other.........

    adi...what to say he is really the man of nainas house .....naina is a proud mother and adi is a proud son

    beeji........i guess she is blessing in disguise in rajs and nainas life.....

    raj-nainas convo was lovely.......

    looking forward to raj-nainas dayout di......actually missing all emoticons from forum

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Rosie...thanks for the lovely comment. Yup, I too miss the IF emos. One could express so much better with them.

      Well, what is happening is Raj is opening up under the influence of Naina's positivity and effervescence. Bur Naina is feeling threatened, cause Raj is awakening in her the senses that she had buried long back. Let's just say the so-called smoothness of their life's flows has suddenly become turbulent. :)

      Delete
  2. wonderful update.thanks for the pm. Adi and Tanu bonding is so beautiful and appreciate the kids maturity to understand tanu. Adi - raj convo is sure going to occupy more spaces in future updates i guess. both the kids have so naturally taken liking with their new found parent like figures.-scorpiodreams

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there pal....thanks a million. Adi is like his mother in many ways....cheerful, responsible, and caring. He has instinctively taken to Tanu, as an older brother would.

      Delete
  3. Beautiful update dear...Thanks for sharing and PM...Loved each bit the way you have displayed the relationship is really commendable.

    With Love
    LuvStrk-001

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow Indu, another mindblowing update! So love the the growing comfort between Raj-Naina. Both are beginning to discover more on one another.

    Because of the way Naina reacted in both their encounters,Raj is starting to wonder something might have happened in her past.

    Like Raj and Beeji's relationship..Naina is confused seeing how close they are but Beeji never told her but she respect it because she keeps everyone's secret.

    The two kids meeting was really cute and am loving the growing bond of Raj-Adi!

    Its simply awesome Indu. Waiting for their day out together as it will be fun and Naina is already nervous Haha!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Abie.... Thank you.

      Raj and Naina would have liked to avoid and ignore each other, but find they cannot...especially Raj. Somehow Naina is making him realize his folly of putting all women in a general mold.

      I am glad you are accepting the characters and understanding them. :)

      Delete
  5. Awesome update :P
    Loved the way raj hold naina from falling down...Raj and naina conversation superb
    Liked the way both felt something with each other..
    Adi such cute boy..So cutely he told that he is the man of naina's house....Adi and Tanu bonding superb...Liked the way adi maturely understand tanu...So cute
    Adi and Raj conversation awesome...Last part Sound differents
    Raj-Naina's outing...It will be interesting
    Continue soon
    Eagerly waiting for next part
    thanks for pm di
    Once again Fantastic update :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Radha.:)

      Raj and Naina's interactions are making them speculate about each other, which by itself is something that has never happened before. If one has sworn off women, the other has issues with men.

      I miss the purple hue of your comments...*sigh*

      Delete
  6. Wow! Loved the growing attraction between Naina and Raj!! Beeji is right....sometimes life throws you curve balls but all for good!!! There does seem to be the element of 'meant to be' between these two!!! Can we assume that once again the children will play cupid?!!!
    Love your writing style, Indu!! Soothing, calm and makes the reader a part of the journey!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bharathi. That has to be the most beautiful compliment I ever received.:)

      Beeji has seen life and she is privy to both Naina's and Raj's past baggages. As such, she knows what she is saying. It's to be seen how Raj and Naina will react when they recognize the connection between them.

      Delete
  7. Such a beautiful update Indu. The Colonel's behaviour towards Naina is a nice change as he is so intrigued by her...she's a woman with a difference and he can't help but be drawn towards her and the many traits of her personality. Naina too is no less than him as she is feeling some attraction towards him, seeing the change in his behaviour with her. Fab job as always and looking forward to what is in store next as these two spend a day together.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks sweetie. Raj's and Naina's views about each other's gender have been influenced by the people that were in their lives. Now their own personas are breaking those set molds. They disagree, they argue, they get angry with each other, but just cannot ignore one another. And that's new for them.

      Delete
  8. Fantabulous update Pal...Wow we got a glimpse of why Naina is so defensive towards men damn she gave Raj such a elbow poor guy but he realized that someone did something to her in the past that's why she is so defensive but then she changed her attitude just like that and he wonders how could she do it :)

    Aww they are both getting a glimpse into each other's personalities, I just love how they felt that current between them when they shook hands and when they let go they felt that sense of loss :D

    Beeji is playing matchmaker sending off on a trip together LOL....I just like how protective of Tanu, Adi is already he is such a cutie pie and the way he talked to Raj the three of them hit it off at their first meeting <3

    Hmm seems like they are both hiding a lot of their pains and Beeji is the only one that knows how much they both have suffered and that's why she knows that they will make a great pairing ;)

    can't wait for more Dear...BTW u are rocking this story keep up the fantastic job Love *HUGS*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey pal....Loads of hugs back to you. Thanks for those words above and for being there for me.

      Naina is definitely carrying a huge scar from the past, which she keeps covered but which obviously hasn't healed yet. Taj is a soldier and her recognizes fear when he sees it. What intrigues him is the contradiction in Naina. For a woman who is so balanced and brave and seemingly in control, she displayed an uncharacteristic fear of touch in his arms. Yet the next moment, she braved her fear and let him shake her hand.

      Beeji knows about both of them, but does she know all? Sometimes people hide their most traumatic moments from everyone.

      Delete
    2. You're welcome and it's my pleasure to be there for you my Dear friend *HUGS*

      And it's true that Beeji may not know everything about Raj and Naina's pasts but from what she knows she sure concluded that they would be good for each other ;)

      As for Naina well she sure through Raj for a loop with her changing behavior which left him wanting to know more about her and the root of her trouble...I say their trip gonna be a very interesting one :D

      Delete
  9. An excellent way of allowing these two independent entities to be drawn together like hinges. Like poles of magnets repel unlike opposite poles that attract.Looking forward at that moment when these two become one soul that was once separated at birth.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Surish. I am so glad to have you here. I love the way you put Raj and Naina's situation. They are attracted alright...but who will act on it first. Raj is opening up, but Naina seems to be folding up.

      (A request pal....next time, please sign your name at the end of the comment, otherwise I wouldn't know it was you.)

      Delete
  10. OMG! I was laughing throughout this update Di! Lol! I loved it!!! Children and their innocence!! Lol! I'm totally smitten by Adi! :)

    I can see that Raj is slowly letting his guard down around Naina, whereas, Naina is building stronger defenses! The next update shall definitely be an interesting read! Lol.

    Please continue soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Mohini....thanks. Glad I was the reason of the smiles on you. :)

      Adi is the typical no-nonsense, over-enthusiastic, adult-child who clearly takes his role as the "man"...as in the protector...very seriously. He has self-appointed himself as the protector sibling to the hapless little princess.

      With that pointer in Raj and Naina, you have hit the nail on the head. That's exactly what is happening.

      Delete
  11. Am confused! oops, No dear, not with the story, but with this new application/site (this blog)
    Don't know if u receive or if u have replied on my comment, nothing appears in my notification (can't find the settings), sigh.
    Just saw ur replies awhile back; and with the last, don't know if u have read it.

    I was actually sending my comment right now for this part, but noticed that I haven't sign in the page yet, arrgh.
    Nothing to do but to copy it first and paste again.
    Can I just write it on I-F, LoL! (just kidding)

    Nwei, hope u read this one, sorry for the late comment.
    Have seen the update already but it was very late(3AM), kinda groggy. am not sure with my first reaction, so didn't write it..

    And now that am back in my right sense(am i?), I realized, it was a very beautiful update!
    So loved the slow attraction creating between Raj and Naina.
    I was grinning reading the first part, well, actually the whole part.
    They're keeping distance with each other but destiny won't let them, haha.

    Looks like Naina had a traumatic experience with the past. And Raj noticed that too.

    I always love how you always include the kids to your story, such a delight! Thumbs up for that.

    Adi and Tanu were like a real sis- bro. Adi acting like a big bro, liked it!
    Love their interaction with both Naina and Raj.

    And Beeji, she has lots of secret kept regarding Naina and Raj. And she is good in hiding it.
    Will that secrets urge her to be a secret cupid to them too?

    Wonder what will happen on their day trip being together.
    Eeek,(gigling) love love the story Indu dear, keep it moving..

    Lots of HUGS*

    SMILE always =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Barbie....I do receive your comments my dear. It's just that sometimes when you write, I am offline, and the comment is stored in my personal comment box. I have to click on it for it to be displayed below the chapter. It's sort of a security policy of blogs to keep away spam comments. I am sorry that you got confused.

      I have responded to your previous comments. Hope you can view them as you go down the chapter.

      *Sigh* You have such an endearing way of placing your opinions. I absolutely love reading your comments. It gives me such satisfaction to know that you are following the story the way I wished you to.Thank you so much. Love you.

      Take care. Hugs to junior.

      Delete
  12. Indu - hope my comments reaches u - I do feel as if my message has got stucked in the Tunnel refusing to come out on the other end.....but must say - am enjoying this new world.

    Coming to the story - it is a breathe of fresh air - for one - the storyline and second the characters name 'Raj-Naina' instead of 'Yash-Arti'. Honestly I loved it 'cause your prime importance is story and it always has something new to offer for readers
    .
    Love the way you bring in children in every story of yours and trying to convey the way they should be handled. Tanu-Adi convo were cute and also loved Beeji - a character who keeps secret The interaction between Raj and Beeji were awesome. Am eager to know Raj and Naina's past.

    Am waiting eagerly for a day tour alongwith Raj-Naina.

    As usual Indu - u need no words for words form U.

    ............Chitra/chitsri65

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Chitra....You are here my friend. Welcome! Thank you so much for not giving up on your navigation and pursuing the tunnel end. God bless you!

    And thank you so much for the encouraging opinion on WOS. I know I took a huge gamble by venturing into new horizons. Even though I lost out on IF readership, and even though I have no idea how to convince the readers that this is another link as any or to let people know about it, I am content with the response from everyone who have kept their faith in me and have tried this out.

    When the idea of this story hit me, I was sure of two things: The characters will not be TV show related and that my male protagonist will be an army man. Once I had Raj and Naina with me, the rest of the characters just got merged in. I am glad you liked the others also. It's important that the associated characters blend in well.


    Thanks again pal. Load of hugs. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. wow ,,wonderful update indu
    Love the growing comfort level between Raj n Naina,,loved their convo
    Adi n Tanu sharing so cute bonding ,,love it
    Eagerly waiting for the Tour of Kangra velley with your beautiful writings
    Thanx for the pm ...Rachna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rachna. You always are there to support me and appreciate whatever I write. I am so glad you have liked the characters thus far. :)

      Delete
  15. another beautiful update di
    so we got a bit glimpse that naina has a painful past too..

    love ur characterization of naina...lovely woman who manages to smile even being her fears

    beeji and raj 's bond is lovely

    Adi and tanu r cute kids..

    raj and naina's comfort level is increasing...good to see that..

    looking forward to next part :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Miti.

      Naina has taken a decision long back: to remain happy and cheerful. Even if the past fears and sorrows trouble her, she doesn't let anyone see or know. On the contrary, Raj has become bitter after his past experiences and lets it out on others.

      Delete
  16. Chapter 3
    Another awesome part indu di,
    Love it,
    Raj caught naina from falling, haha love her immediate self defense nd her attitude which made Raj wonder why she behaves like this. Can’t wait to know her past. 
    Lovely bond between Raj nd beeji, love this woman she is concealing the past of both with her
    Adi man of the house nd now he behaves like a big bro so cute, the way he understand tanu really just like his mom so gentle.
    Raj and Adi, beautiful bonding nd their conversation is nice too
    Naina nd Raj’s conversation love it, naina is being a little naughty haha
    Naina nd raj on a trip together, ha beeji is on something :D
    Well written di, love every bit
    Great part.
    billie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Billie. You have no idea how these words of encouragement from friends like you keep me going. You make me feel special and I love you for that.

      Delete
  17. Hi Di
    I am back hope you had great time during durga puja and must be busy as diwali is just round the corner
    Coming to ch3 we n raj got a glimpse of pain naina had due to her demons of her past dark shadows but the way they met also made me firm with the thought that Raj will always be there for her.
    Once she came back again she started wither spontaneous nature don’t call me mam its sounds like don’t call me aunty please lol
    I must raj has lot to say n think about this lady is such short span of time
    So the first naina n raj met formally and properly unlike their other surprise meetings
    Beeji n raj has lot more it seems like beeji knows how her both kids have gone thru n all she kept deep inside and giving her motherly warmth as shield to both from their pains.
    So man to man meet n adi n tanu connection wow beautiful bonding as adi says man of the house it sounds when he talked to naina about tanu n then a man asking a father of daughter can I how sweet really adorable gesture form a small kid but it’s beautiful
    Beeji n raj talks have a big tale of the story so is naina’s
    N then raj just gave adjectives to Naina in she just said it all to him on his face oh man it’s crazy n then her wild thoughts or I shud say the way she is checking him hmm n then now all the way journey together to kangra
    The most pleasant part is the comfort tanu seeks from Naian warmth n so is adi while taking his soldering trains from colonel
    Beautiful intersection come meet will come back soon di
    Take care
    Regards.. Riya

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks Ria.

    Your feedbacks always give me a unique perspective. I just love the way you put in your thoughts...so in tune with my own.

    Raj is smitten by Naina...yes. But will he pursue her as a partner? That remains to be seen. At the moment he is happy just being in her presence and enjoying the repartees. He is protective of her, but then he is a soldier and so that's an instinctive reaction...that is, to protect.

    ReplyDelete
  19. for all her sunny disposition, i think naina is far more vulnerable due to her past
    raj touched her! i was surprised at how soon he broke that barrier- off to the next chapter
    -rutu

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yes, by now we realize Naina has a past that she keeps completely locked away.

    Raj just stepped up to stabilize her, as she had tripped. That set off her abrupt reaction.

    ReplyDelete