“mom please, I don’t want to get married”-Captain Arjun Mehra declared in a firm voice.
“now please Aru, give me the reason why?? – his mother Meera asked him, already getting hyper.
Arjun- mom please you know my job. Our lives are full of uncertainty. I don’t want to destroy any girl’s life tangled with my uncertain life.
Meera- don’t Aru. Nothing is going to happen with you. You promised me that you will stay safe.
Both remained silent for some moments.
Meera (sighed & take a deep breath)- Aru, your father left us when you were only 4 years old. It was an accident, so sudden & see it changed our lives. Your father was a civilian. Then?? It’s all about destiny. In today’s world, no one is safe son. But that doesn’t mean you will not live your life.
Arjun looked at his mother. She is a teacher & now working as a principle of a school. Arjun smiled “you always have your points mom, no one can beat you in reasoning.
Meera- Aru, I know you very well. You are a very reserved person. In childhood, you only concentrated on your studies & NCC, later you joined Army & your duty becomes your life. We both so depended on each other, I am getting old. Before death, I want you to settle down.
Arjun ( almost shouting)- mom please, if you say these kind of things, I am going to stop coming in holidays.
Meera- really?? Can you able to stay without seeing me??? ( his mother pulled his cheeks). Aru, you are afraid of commitment. Okay, listen, a new teacher joined in my school, Radhika Mishra. You just meet with her once, I promise, if you don’t like her, I will not force you.
Arjun- & how am I going to meet with her?? & most importantly what to say to her??
Meera- You don’t need to say anything. I already talked to her about you. I told her that I want her as my daughter-in-law.
Arjun hold his head. “mom, you are just impossible. Don’t tell me you already gave final words to her parents.
Meera- Aru, she is her guardian. You know she spent her childhood in an orphanage, their she studied & became a teacher. She is a complete self-made woman with values. I am sure you will like her, no no, You will definitely Love her.
Next day, Meera sent her son to meet with Radhika.
Arjun- mom, I don’t even know her. How am I going to recognize her? I am not at all comfortable.
Meera- You are behaving like a girl. Don’t forget she is the bride & you are the groom. ( Arjun angrily looked at her) Okay, she will recognize you. She saw your picture that one in Uniform & I can say from her expression, she likes you.
Arjun- So, the main point is you already fixed my marriage.
Meera- Yes, I did. But I want your yes, after all I can’t even drag you in mandap.
Arjun showed his muscles & winked. Meera rolled her eyes.
Arjun was standing outside the gate of a park. He is feeling like a fool. He is looking here & there. Suddenly, he heard a female voice from his back. “Captain Mehra”. Arjun turned & looked at the girl. She is looking at him but he can say from her body language that she is nervous. But Arjun is only looking at her. “I am Radhika” her voice broke his trance. He nodded his head. But both looked confused as they have no idea what to say or what to do.
Arjun ( in a low voice)- hii, how are you??
Radhika- Fine. How are you Captain??
Arjun- I am also fine.
Again silence, Arjun was visibly confused & wondering how to handle the situation. Finally, he said, marriage is the most important decision of our life. But in mind, “dam, I am teaching a teacher, She know the importance of marriage fool”. So, think carefully & then decide , specially think about my profession.
Radhika only looked at the man in front of her. He is first time meeting a girl for marriage, most probably he never dated anyone. She feel a sense of pride. Her face hold a look of admiration only if Arjun noticed.
Radhika- Hope mam told you about my background that I am an orphan.
Arjun- Yes, but it doesn’t matter. Very few have the strength to write their own destiny. It’s your plus point.
Both again stopped, having no idea what to say further. Radhika looked a man selling Ice-Cream. She tried to lighten the situation.
Radhika- What about an ice-cream treat??
Arjun looked at her & replied with a small smile. “Sure”.
Radhika took a choco bar but Arjun refused. Radhika took out her purse to pay, but Arjun already paid. Radhika protested. “heyy, its not fair. It was my idea plus you are not eating.” Arjun silenced her, “next time you will pay, now happy??” She smiled at him. Suddenly they heard a little boy voice, “Miss, Miss, you are here in the park.”
Both looked at the small boy. Radhika immediately recognized her student. “ohh noo, her student saw her in a park, enjoying ice-cream with a man.” She looked very embarrassed & almost ran out of the park holding the ice-cream. Arjun & the kid both looked shocked. Soon, Arjun understand the situation & broke into laughter.
He came back in his house. Meera was standing in door-step. “You liked Radhika?? What is your answer??”
Arjun- mom, first let me in.
Meera- First answer.
Arjun- hmmm.
Meera was very happy. “What ‘hmmm’ my dear Aru?? Say yes loudly & clearly.”
After a month, the both got married. It was a court-marriage, they signed papers in Marriage register Office, garlanded each other & he filled her mang with sindoor. In their First Night, Radhika was literally biting her nails in nervousness. She even don’t know him properly. He is a Gentleman, but that kind of relationship, she is worried & tensed. Arjun entered into the room. He sensed the nervousness & he felt terrible. He wondered whether all couples in arranged marriages went through this type of confusion and awkwardness. Without waiting for the situation to become even worse, Arjun grabbed a pillow and some bedding and began making a bed for himself on the floor. “You don’t have to”, Radhika began protesting, but Arjun replied, “It’s okay, I’m a soldier and therefore I can sleep just about anywhere comfortably”. Radhika just looked at him. She can rely on him, he will never let her down.
After marriage, Arjun resumed his duty, but this time his wife accompanied him. Both started living in Base Quarter like other families. Radhika joined as a teacher in Base Army school. Radhika got the fact that her husband is a very reserved person, not open up easily. They became very busy in their life. But every night both shared their daily chorus with each other. Radhika used to share the antics of her students. They laughed together. Soon, other topics also started adding. They started talking about their likes, dislikes, their passion, hobbies. Arjun started sharing his previous posting, mission, experience with her & Radhika freely talked about her life. How her relatives abandon her after her’s parents death in an accident, Arjun just put his hand on Hers. She just closed her eyes & feel the warmth. Soon, they started going out together. Radhika always used to hold his hand while walking together, she got the fact that Arjun is shy to show his affection in presense of others. There is always a pride in her eyes when each morning she see him in Uniform, but as soon as he leave, she just silently for his safety. Arjun also noticed the change in him. He love spending time with her rather than Army Club. He feel comfortable with her. He love her eyes, smile, smell everything. His heart filled with happiness to see her smile & he can feel his body burning with desire when each night she sleep beside her. How badly he want to touch her.
One day, Arjun & Radhika both went to a nearby hotel to celebrate a friend’s marriage Anniversary. All were enjoying. Soon all friends challenged Arjun to propose Radhika. Arjun gulped, But he did not refused. He took a single red rose from a flower vast , offered her & simply said “I Love You Radhika.” Friends clapped & whistled & Radhika’s cheeks turned red.
They came back in Quarter. Radhika changed her saree & came out wearing a sleeveless Nighty. Arjun looked at her. He slowly came closer to her. She closed her eyes with shyness and fear. He removed the clip from her hair & started playing with her hair.
He kissed her forehead. He was kissing passionately on her neck, shoulder. She was enjoying the beautiful sensation running through her body. Arjun lifted her up on his arms & place her to the bed. He lay on top of her. He kissed her lips with full of passion, love & care. The kiss
was so deep that her lips got a small cut, & started playing with her tongue. Radhika unbuttoned his shirt. Arjun also removed her nighty, & started cuddling her, nibbling her & caressing her. Their legs entwined.
She was mourning & scratching his mascular back. Both were enjoying the moment. Arjun kissed her on shoulders, cheeks. Radhika also kissed his face, bare chest. Arjun kissed her eyelids & started caressing her stomach. She was
clinching the sheet in her fists & enjoying the pleasure. Two bodies & soul became one. They both enjoying their union.
After,7 months, Radhika was 5 months pregnant. Arjun is taking care of her. But he seemed more busy in his duty. Radhika can assume he is working in a secret mission & this increased her anxiety. One day, Arjun was in wash-room when all phones started ringing together. His two mobiles, the LAN phone. Arjun came out in towel & received the call. He looked tensed, wore his uniform & left in hurry, not even look back for a second. Radhika feel like hug him tightly but he just left.
In evening, Radhika just reached her Quarter, an Orderly came running. He looked tensed. “mam, come soon in Base Hospital. Arjun Sir is badly injured.”Keys fall from her hands. She ran towards Hospital. She peeped in the cabin from the glass door. Doctors are checking his pulse. A nurse came to put the oxygen mask on him, but the doctor stopped her. “It’s too late, he is no more.” Radhika felt numb. Her legs not able to hold her balance. But many hands hold her.
Arjun was running, catch me Radhika. She is also running behind him, trying to catch him. He was laughing. Suddenly, a layer of fog covered the atmosphere. Radhika was unable to see her Arjun anymore. She screamed & woke up with a start. She came out from her room. There is his Arjun, wrapped in Tiranga. It’s just like he is sleeping peacefully after completing his duty. Meera was lovingly caressing her son’s forehead. Radhika put her shaking hand on him. Why his body is so chill? Where is his warmth which always soothed her??
That day terrorists held hostages all little students & teachers of a school. Captain Arjun Mehra led the mission. He successfully rescued all of them in cost of his life.
After one month, Radhika sat lifelessly on the bed holding the picture of Arjun. She looked at the other side of bed, but its empty. Tears escaped from her eyes. A hand tried to hold the droplet, but it fall on his picture instead. Arjun is sitting beside her, but there is a boundary of life & death between them.
“Still I can feel your presence Arjun. But I can’t see you, I can’t touch you. You know what I just hate you. You only care about your duty in life, we are all secondary. Mom, I, our child. How simply you left all of us? Not once you thought naa how we going to manage? How can we live without you? You remembered your pledge “Service Before Self”, but you forget our marriage vows. What is the fault of our child that he will never know what father love is? You never thought once naa before coming in front of bullets? Answer me dam it. She started crying. Tears escaped from Arjun’s eyes also.”What to do Radhika ? I saw the face of my family on those innocent lives. It was my duty to protect them. Can I able to back off if my child was there?”
Radhika got up & opened the drawer, took out her diary. She opened a page & lovingly caressing the dry flower which Arjun gave her in party. Arjun also looked at her, he tried to touch her, but he is helpless. Remember me like a dry flower of your diary, it may not have any fragrance, but will remember you of my existence forever in your life.
Radhika is holding her son. Meera is also sitting beside her. She is holding the Param-veer Chakra of her son.
Both have tears in their eyes.
Meera- He always wanted this samman. I, too, wished to see him holding this in his own hands. But see the game of destiny. It’s in my hand. I received the posthumous recognization of my son. I am sad yet proud.
Meera sighed & looked at her grandson.
Meera- He just looks like Aru. I feel like I got him again.
Radhika- maa, I reborn again holding my son in my hand. The time I spent with Arjun was the best phrase of my life. He is a part of my existence. He gave me the best gift of my life & also the biggest responsibility. Soon, I am going to resume my duty. He fulfilled his duty of a soldier, now its time for me to fulfill my duty as a teacher. I am proud of my Captain & maa, I will be the most happiest person & proudest mother if ever my son wants to become a soldier just like his father.
Arjun looked at his family for a last time. At last, he is Free. He got his peace & solace.
“And who says I will not be there on that morning. You will call me by my new name, you will bind me with new chains. I shall come & go eternally, the same me. So you need not remember me anymore. Staring up in the sky, you may not recall me anymore”…………………….
Dedicated to all soldiers & their families.
Hii all, this is Madhumita again. So, this is my second OS after confusion.
Want honest opinions. But plz no rotten eggs & tomotoes.
Loads of Love to all.
47 Comments
The last line by arjun” I will cum n go eternally, same me.u may not need to remember me” was extremely emotional.. had tears ..d way things r going in our entry with media talking against army in kashmir who lay derr lives ,I feel we don’t repay army well as a nation ..I feel too bad bad wen anti india rants go on n life if soldiers is at stake..ur ff ending was beautiful
Thanks Karnika for your lovely comment. I am glad that you liked it. Our soldiers deserved all respects. Not only they protect us form enemies, in any natural disaster, they rescue us. Salute & Respect for them.
So sad but beautiful is…our soldiers really deserve that fame n salute for protecting us…even scientists…I wonder sometimes what is the celebrities n politicians doing that they get so much importance in their life ??? Seriously m more practical…jai hind…great salute to soldiers. N scientists
Thanks Rossy. Glad that you liked it. Our soldiers deserved all respects. I too wonder that why the politicians & celebrities get so much importance.
Outstanding, I like it, you nail it, well done. 🙂
Thanks Brin. I am glad that you liked it & also a big thanks for reading all my works. Loads of Love.
Madhu where are you ..just want to give u a tight hug …really i am crying now .. just standing ..and want to salute you for describing it in such a beautiful way …really my brother too is a soldier .and killed few terrorists …I know how difficult life they lead ..this was really awesome 🙂 . Mind blowing .. superb .. .amazing …marvellous ..pls update your ffs too ..waiting for chakravyuh and ahalya ..checkmate too ..and new one .:-) 🙂 I have written an os ..a return gift 🙂 .it is funny ..if you have time do check out that 🙂 🙂
I am here Sammy. A tight hug from my side too. Thanks dear for your lovely comment. Glad that you liked. You are crying, then I am consider this a successful OS. Salute to your brother. They are the real Heroes of our Nation. Oh my god, so much appreciation. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Will continue soon. Just facing some writer blockage. Now again gaining confidence. ohh really. Sure, I will read & comment. Loads of Love to you.
WOW. Simply superb.
Thanks Moni. I am glad that you liked it.
Loved it
Thanks Kavina.
Madhumita it was so much pain . I am literally crying. Our soldiers are protecting us and giving us a happy life but their life which is so precious of all. Salutations to all the brave soldiers of our country who have gifted their lives for protecting our country. Lovely madhu a realstic plot. Thank u for this thought. U r a gem of a person. I salure u for this work.
Thanks S.v for your lovely comment. Glad that you liked. Salute to all soldiers. You are crying, then I am successful. Loads of Love.
hats off to u madhu such a beautifull story it is amazing dear actually i hate the stories where hero dies in the end but tis is the 1st tym i am luving it actually due to sum issues i stopped commenting in tu but today after reading ur story i cldn’t restric myself . after reading tis story i am literally crying dear we shld pray for the families of those martyrs who lost their life for the country i donno throught out the story i was remembring col lt niranjan kumar
anyway amazing story ree
luv u
Thanks Nitu for your lovely comment. I am glad that you liked it. Its not only Col. Niranjan Kumar story, but the story of every soldiers. We don’t even know their name. Loads of Love to U too.
hats off to u madhu such a beautifull story it is amazing dear actually i hate the stories where hero dies in the end but tis is the 1st tym i am luving it actually due to sum issues i stopped commenting in tu but today after reading ur story i cldn’t restric myself . after reading tis story i am literally crying dear we shld pray for the families of those martyrs who lost their life for the country i donno throught out the story i was remembring col lt niranjan kumar
anyway amazing story ree
luv u
Wow. I loved it. But sad arjun died. But I understand y gave such an ending. It’s worst fear of every soldiers Wife and Mother. Salute to all this soldiers Becos of whom v stay safe. They left their dreams their famiys destiny unsafe so that some other family’s dream may get fulfilled. Bless them and all their families too . For if not them where will we be?
As much I loved this one am hurt too. Radhika and meera again lost their lifeline. They dint have any grt life previously too. Wat ever they had it was d best .But pls pls write an os where Arjun does not die. No rotten tomatoes only hugs. So pls just cheer all of us pls write an is with a happy ending.Take care bless u Madhu.
Thanks dear for your lovely comment. I am glad that you liked it. Ha ha, will definitely write a happy ending OS on Ar-dhika. Loads of Love.
Madhu..this is fabulous dear…our soldiers r really great…they r protecting our life risking their life.. Salute to our soldiers… U r wonderful writer dear… Ending part was too good dear….keep writing…tc..
Thanks Lakshmi for your lovely comment. I am glad that you liked it. Salute to every Soldiers & Thanks a lot for the appreciation. Loads of Love.
Hats off Madhumitha.. very emotional one. .. I was sobbing reading it.. nt complaining.,it was tat emotional.. and yes..its true many ppl lead such lives in real . They are real heros but they never get the praise m respect they deserve.. why does ppl on border need 2 loose their lives … I feel tat bad when I read any news like tat.. and wat was those last lines Arjun say here..I felt so painful ..!! Excellent presentation Madhu… u had carved the plot so well., anyone who isn’t a Ardhika fan too wud fall for this pair.. when everything falls in place for Rads she loses him.. he dint turn back tat day..n she wanted 2 hug him..oh god.! I will stop here..TC dear.. pls chakravyuh me aise mat karo.. Waiting like a eagle 4 ur update on Chakravyuh n Ahalya..
Thanks Jessie for your lovely comment. I am glad that you liked it. Somehow this is the reality of a soldiers life. But they deserve respect. Why does people on border need to lost their life?? the answer is tough & complicated. Blame the politics of countries. Thanks for all the appreciation. No no, Chakrabyuh main sad ending dene ka koi plan nahin hai. Will continue soon with all my fics. Loads of Love.
so sad but really nice.i can feel a soldier’s duties.it awesome.u just nailed it
Thank You. I am glad that you liked it.
Madhu dear..hope u will not mind me calling dat..anyways it was one of the best os I have ever read…Awesome fabulous heart wrenching dear…I was really crying after reading it…soldiers the heros in real sense..more than the soldier it is their family who need to have an hurt of gold to send their children to save their country… I too wanted to join Indian Army but got rejected due to my height issues..hats off to u dear for writing this one…waiting for ur ffs..plz if possible update them soon…love u..tc..
Of course, you can call me Madhu. Thanks Ritu for your lovely comment. I am glad that you liked it. Salute to their real Heroes of our country & their families. Glad to know that you tried to join Indian Army, I never dared to fill up the CDS Application form. I am not fit for the job. Thanks for all the appreciation. Will continue soon with all my FF. Loads of Love.
Beautiful OS Madhu..Salute to all the soldiers and their families who take such a pain to make our lives peaceful..Salute and Jai Hind.. 🙂
Thanks Sweetie. I am glad that you liked it. Loads of Love.
di it was so beautiful…marvelous…..shows the proudness and truth of families of soldiers..living and dying like a legend….and the way arjun spoke to her after his dearpth, ni words to explain …wow di u always come with hearttouching plots…..first when i saw ur cover pic i thought ,this is chakravyuh’s right? then who aome used it for another…but see di it was you…am really a mad fan of all ur concepts….especiallly checkmate, u made me aradhika fan love samarj…wowwww…..di but one small request, in ahalya u said no pair….but can there be samarj, not as a llllovely couple but atleast a normal ones…they r married in that right ,so only askingg di..coz honestly i cant see aham as arjun who doubts and tortures his wife…..its just a simple request from one ahamian to another…but if u dont like it na am sorry ..afterall its ur story and believe me whatever u decide i willl read and love ur stories like crazy..???…so di pls update Checkmate and chakravyuh and ahslya too…love u…muahhhhhhh
Thanks Sree for your long & lovely comment. I am glad that you liked it. Yes dear, It is Chakrabyuh’s cover pic. I don’t get enough time to make a poster than post it. First, I was not enough confident to post, but then thought, lets try. Thanks for all the appreciation. About Checkmate, it long time.I am trying to give regular updates & end it. Lets see, you fast I can manage. About Ahalya, read one more update, I think you will got your answer. There Aham is in villain role, but trust me, I think I will not disappoint you. I am also a Ahamian. So, I always try to portray his character most carefully. Updates coming soon. Loads of Love.
I loved it so much…. Its just awesome…keep it up….
Thanks Nita. I am glad that you liked it. Loads of Love.
loved it …showed what happens in soilder life..it was awsme…
Thanks akki. I am glad that you liked it. Loads of love.
wow…..i love uuu…..awesome ,mindblowing outstanding,,excellent ,amazing…..tight hug for u…
Thanks Subha for all the appreciation . I am glad that you liked it. Loads of Love & a tight hug. Keep Smiling.
omg…got ur update after a long time…i dont mind if its tis or OS… but tis one…u made me cry dear…tis much emotional…ahhh…gosh…its sooooo touching…i have tears in my eyes…missed u soo much…no rotten eggs and tomatoes…but a very tight teddy hug for u…. for tis so wonderful OS… plz update other ffs of urs…love u sooo much…tc….
Thanks feby for your lovely comment & all the appreciation. I am glad that you liked it. Loads of Love & a tight hug. Will continue soon my other stories.
Hey madhu…..truely a good touching os……salute 2 all those who r on our borders protecting us….and a big salutation 4 those who send dem off 2 their duty keeping aside their fear of losing their sons….husbands…..dads……brothers…..n daughters……
Hats off 2 those who boldly led deir lives on d absence of deir near n dear 1s…….
Thanks Dev. Finally you commented on my work. I am missing your comments. I am glad that you liked it. Salute to every soldiers & their families.
Hats off! This was truly so different from all the stories I hav read so far. Clearly m speechless now…really a big salute to all the soldiers at the border for protecting us while having no fear for their lives…truly tremendous:)
Please do come up with such stories more and please update Ahalya. That’s such a cool story:)
Thanks Nupur for your lovely comment & all the appreciation. Glad that you liked it. Will definitely try to write some more OS. Update of all of my stories coming soon. Loads of Love.
Outstanding. Simple yet superb. Army men deserve more respect than anyone else. Its heart touching
Thanks Jnana. I am glad that you liked it. Loads of Love.
Madhumita…you’re really a lovely person, I’m proud to be your reader n friend…your each story touch my heart soooo deeply n gives me satisfaction n relief….so sorry honeyyy for late comment, not sure you gonna read it or not but I just wanted to give you my hearty gratitude, my bow down thanks for sharing your amazing treasure of stories with us….I could recognize you, your words, your style, feel n msg in this os….incredibly awesome, marvellous, outstanding. …in very few words…you give very good inspirational n motivated msg to your readers…I admire you from the bottom of my heart. …I salute all the soldiers n families….I used to watch “Param Veer Chakra” series on Doordarshan way back when I was Lil girl…it always motivated me….my father was in government services….n we lived this life…now I’m in usa but I miss my country india so much….sorry i stop here….keep it up honeyyy. …love you loads…muaaaaahhhhhh Bear hug ♡♡♡
Roma di, Yes I am calling you didi because you are much elder than me, I guess so. I read each & every comment, in fact, I wait for your responses. Your comments made my day didi & see today U commented, on my birthday. Thanks Roma didi for your lovely comment. I feel super happy & inspired after reading all the comments. Glad that you liked. First I was afraid to post as it was a tragic ending. But Thank God, Readers accepted my story. Its my tribute to those Heroes & most importantly their families. Loads of Love to you didi. Keep Smiling aur Hindustan to hamare dil main bhaste hai.