Chapter 17:

Seeing Naina standing in the Brigadier's office, Raj had initially been worried, thinking that perhaps BC had somehow found out. But he realised that this possibility was extremely unlikely and there must be some other reason for them both to be called there. Naina shot him a glance that was a mixture of anxiety and unhappiness. He realised it must be as difficult for her as it was for him to be standing here with him less than half an after… well, after…. Well…. When he was having his much trouble even admitting to himself what he had done, how was he ever going to properly deal with it?

When Brigadier Chandook glanced up to see that Rajveer had finally arrived, he motioned for them to both sit down, something that surprised Naina immensely.

"I've called you both here because you're both involved in this matter," he informed them, "Especially you, Cadet Ahluwalia."

Raj waited for him to continue, having guessed what it was that he had called them here for.

"Cadet Ahluwalia," Brigadier Chandook addressed her, "Your brother was the best cadet I have ever had, and I would first of all like to apologise to you for ever having believed he was a traitor. I saw it on the news, and have just received a call from Delhi to confirm it."

Naina was both shocked and overjoyed by his words, but before she could react, BC continued.

"On behalf of the Indian Army, I would like to apologise to you for the pain and humiliation caused to your family due to the false charges laid against your brother. Some officers have also been sent to your house to convey this to your parents."

Naina finally spoke up. "Thank you very much Sir, you don't know how much this means to me. I would like you to know that I don't blame you for believing my brother was a traitor, after all it was a conspiracy created by some very powerful and smart people."

BC nodded, happy at the mature way in which she was handling this. "And I hope that Captain Rajveer will also accept my apologies, as he has consistently worked to prove your brother innocent."

"Of course, Sir." Raj murmured, not quite able to believe what was happening.

"Now, Cadet Ahluwalia," BC said to her, smiling. "I believe you had made a vow that your brother's photo would be hung in the hall of fame again. I realise that you will want it done as soon as possible, but if you like then we can wait for a few days in order to arrange for a proper ceremony, after all, you're all due to depart for holidays in two days. Perhaps after you come back?"

"No, Sir." Naina said quietly. "I would prefer it to be done as soon as possible, Navin Bhaiya should be back where he belongs."

Brigadier Chandook nodded, "Then we'll arrange a small ceremony for this afternoon." He told her, "I know that holidays don't officially begin for two more days, but if you like you can leave today after the ceremony has been conducted. I know that right now you will want to spend some time with your family."

"Thank you, Sir." She told him, "I appreciate your offer and I think it is best that I be with my family right now."

"Dismissed then, Cadet Singh." He told her, "I imagine that you will need to call your parents and arrange for your journey." Naina saluted him and left the room.

Raj wanted to follow her, feeling that they really need to talk about what had happened earlier. He hoped that the reason she was going home early wasn't because she wanted to avoid him.

"Captain Rajveer, perhaps you could contribute some ideas for the ceremony this afternoon." BC told him. "After all, you were Navin's best friend."

Naina Singh Ahluwalia and his love for her would have to wait. Raj still had a duty to his best friend to fulfill.