Rajat- Arjun first relax, then we will patiently chalk out a plan.
Arjun was putting all the files from his desk into the cupboard & locked it. He put his laptop & some pen drives in his bag.
Rajat- Arjun please, at least say something.
Arjun- No Rajat, I can’t stay here anymore. The cabin & this chair is for the team leader & Sashank Sir gave me four days time only as an Officer, not as team leader.
Arjun took his bag & came out from the cabin. Rajat followed him. Arjun locked the cabin & put the key in his bag.
Rajat- Then, why are you locking everything & taking the key with you?
Arjun- I till now not received any official letter. So, technically, all the important files & other confidential documents are still my responsibility, but ethically I can’t sit in that chair any more.
Rajat carefully looked at Arjun. This is not the reaction he expected, but he can understand Arjun is feeling insulted that why he don’t want to face anyone from his team. Arjun is very sensitive is this matter.
Rajat- Arjun, take this.
He handed over a small pen drive to Arjun.
Arjun ( with a questioning look)- What is in it?
Rajat- List of Parmeet’s cell phone locations details after he left from office. You will need this. All the best & we all will be waiting for you to come back in this office as our team leader.
Arjun looked at him & Rajat gave him a faint smile. Arjun hugged him tightly & muttered “Thanks.
Rajat- Just call whenever you need me. Don’t you dare to take risk alone. Take care, your wound is still raw.
Arjun left from there without responding. Rajat took out his mobile & dialed a number. ” Hello Samaira…
Hearing the loud knock on the door, Samaira came out from the trance. Her hands still shaking. She rubbed the tears from her cheeks & composed herself. She opened the door & Arjun stepped inside. He removed his boots & socks. Samaira closed the door. She silently followed him inside. Arjun opened her cupboard, put his bag inside & locked it. He took his spare clothes & went towards washroom. Samaira handed him the towel. Arjun took it, went inside washroom & closed the door. Samaira was stunned to see Arjun’s reaction. Rajat said everything to her. She knows how passionate Arjun is towards his duty. He fought with her many times. In fact, she accepted the fact that his work should always be his first priority & she, the second. She expected an angry outburst after all she is responsible for his suspension. Though, he is looking normal, but she can see the sadness & disappointment in his eyes. She felt a pinch in his heart. She took a deep breath. Today, she herself cooked all his favourites watching Youtube videos & searching Google. Arjun came out from washroom. He put the towel in place & combed his hair. Both sat in the dinning table for dinner. Samaira served him & then they ate silently. After completing the dinner, Arjun stood up. “Thanks Samaira. All the foods are really so tasty. He smiled a bit & left.
After cleaning & completing other chores, Samaira came in bedroom. She saw Arjun sitting in the bed spreading his legs & supporting his back with a pillow.
Samaira- Do you take medicine?
Arjun nodded his head in yes. Samaira took her pillow from the bed & went towards sofa to sleep.
Arjun- Why there? What problem in bed?
Samaira- You know naa my sleeping postures are very bad. I spread my hands & legs here & there. You are already injured. I don’t want to cause any more damage.
Arjun- We will adjust. Don’t worry. I trust you. You can never hurt me.
Samaira- Please be comfortable in bed. I can manage here. Good Night Arjun.
Arjun- Okay fine. You come in bed & sleep comfortably. I am leaving. Good Night.
He stood up from the bed. Samaira rushed towards him & hold his hand. “Don’t go. Just stay here with me. Both sat on the bed but there is an uncomfortable silence between them.
Samaira- Rajat said everything.
Arjun- I guessed. Your expression & silence speaks volumes.
Samaira- Why Arjun? You should take necessary actions against me. I can handle any ordeal, but can’t see you in pain. Strange naa!!! I am also wondering how this happen? How you became a part of my existence in these few days?
Arjun remained silent.
Samaira- Unlucky me. My bad luck is affecting you, your career, your life, your dream. First, your injury, then…
Arjun- You are innocent Samaira & I will prove it.
Samaira- No one ever did this much for me.
Arjun- I still have four days. We are innocent & I will prove it at any cost. You don’t blame yourself. It’s a big conspiracy & we both are trapped.
Samaira- How is your wound?
Arjun- It’s better. Don’t worry, it is not first time I am dealing with an injury, but this is first time when someone cares for me so much.
He came closer to her & put his head in her lap. Samaira started caressing his hair. Arjun closed his eyes.
Arjun- You know Samaira, today I got the fact that there is a thin line between treachery & patriotism. Department is doubtful about my honesty & dedication. My senior accused me that I conspired Parmeet’s death. How can they think so low about me?
A droplet of tears escaped from Arjun’s eyes.
Samaira- They are saying nonsense. I trust you.
She lowered & kissed his forehead.
Arjun (with a sigh)- Never ever thought that one day I have to struggle to prove myself innocent from the accusation of the death of my junior officer. You know, we always give the duty of “following someone to the juniors without revealing themselves. I strickly warned Parmeet not to take any risk, call me for any emergency & my senior charging me that I planned his death, I killed him, I murdered him. How can they?
Samaira tightly hold his hand. She is also crying but she remained silent to let Arjun vent out his anger & frustration.
Samaira- Arjun, you told me that there is no place of emotion in your job. Your higher authority analyzing everything logically & proofs can be tampered. Come on Arjun, you can handle each & every situations.
Arjun- Honestly speaking, I am still not prepared to handle situation like this.
Samaira- No Arjun. You have to. For Parmeet, for me, & most importantly, for yourself. I know the zeal & devotion you have towards your work. There is always a fear in my heart of losing you but I am proud of you.
Arjun- We work in team. Trust is a very important factor among us. We contact our team in case of any emergency, we share our location when we are in some secret mission, we share sensitive information with each other. After proving myself innocent, am I going to get the same respect in my Department?
Samaira- Rajat said, everyone is worried for you, they are all with you & your team is waiting for you. Please Arjun, be confident. Don’t lose hope. It’s just a bad phrase. I am sure you will overcome it. Now sleep, you need rest.
Samaira started messaging his forehead. After some minutes of silence, Arjun suddenly spoke.
Arjun- Let’s get married Samaira.
Samaira- Huh??
Arjun- Will you marry me?
Samaira- Yes, we already planned, that we will marry after the mission is over.
Arjun ( stubbornly)- No, not after the mission.
Samaira (confused)- Then???
Arjun- We will marry after clearing our names from all accusations. Will plan everything after four days.
Samaira- What are you saying Arjun??
Arjun (frowned)- Do you have any objection to marry me?
Samaira- Noo. But seriously, are we prepared? Come on, we can’t take this big decision just to prove anything to anyone. We know our relation is pure.
Arjun sat up & pulled Samaira towards him.
Arjun- I just can’t tolerate anything disgusting about you & our relation. No one has that right & if a legal document can close everyone’s mouth, then why not? & trust me, nothing is going to change between us.
Samaira was in deep thought.
Arjun- You belongs to me & forever you will be mine Samaira.
Color rose on her cheeks. She suddenly started feeling shy. Arjun looked at her face for sometime & lightly kissed her cheeks but Samaira did not look at his face. She carefully hugged him & hide her face on his chest.
Arjun- So, it’s a yes.
Arjun broke the hug. He cupped her face in his hand & gave her a bright smile. In spite of all crisis, Samaira felt the smile made her day.
Samaira (whispered)- sunshine..
Arjun- What?
Samaira- Nothing. Now what?? Don’t you feeling sleepy? now, no more talking. Sleep. Good Night.
Both lie down on the bed facing each other.
Arjun- I may be able to contact you for four days. So, please don’t panic. Don’t hesitate to call me if you sense any danger.
Samaira- I want to stay with you. I can help you.
Arjun ( smiled)- No, That not possible. I have to meet & take help from many people whose identities Rajat even don’t know.
Samaira- Your wound??
Arjun- I will manage.
Samaira- At least, call me everyday whenever you get time, please.
Arjun- Okay.
Arjun closed his eyes. After sometime, Samaira can feel his deep breathing. He is asleep. Samaira came closer to him. His breath was tickling on her neck. “You care so much for me!!! There is a content smile on her face. She looked at his face. His hair disheveled. His tired, pale & sad face, she know he is sleeping due to medicine effects & the weakness of his body. She silently prayed to God for his success. He is innocent then why should he suffer? His thick black eye lashes, thin petal like lips. Her eyes travelled on his features which distinguished him from the rest. He is handsome. Anyone can fall in love by his look. This thought made her jealous. She inhaled his scent & put her hand on His. She felt solace & soon her eyes get closed due to sleep.
That’s all for today. Waiting for responses.