Unspoken Embers

4 days ago

Mikky

@MidnightLibrary

Unspoken Embers

The night enveloped the camp in a shroud of stillness, the only sound of the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. The other members of Captain Prithviraj Shekhawat's team lay cocooned in their sleeping bags, lost in the realm of dreams. But for Prithvi, sleep was an unattainable luxury. His mind was a tempest of thoughts, swirling with excitement and trepidation as he pondered the journey that lay ahead—one he had yearned for over the past nine years: a return to his village.

The weight of nostalgia bore down on his heart, settling heavily like a rock. He found solace in the dim glow of moonlight streaming through the window, illuminating the tattered photograph he cradled in his hand. The picture was a relic of his past, its edges frayed and colours faded but the memories it held remained vivid. It captured a moment in time, where laughter danced in the air and love lingered in the corners of each smile, long before life drew him away.

When Major Veer Pratap Shergill entrusted him with the mission to visit Chittorgarh, a wave of emotions crashed over him. The anticipation of stepping onto the soil of his birthplace was bittersweet, bringing both the thrill of reunion and the sharp pang of resurfaced memories—reminders of childhood joy, lost friendships, and unspoken love that haunted him like whispers in the dark.

Suddenly, his reverie was broken by the familiar voice of his colleague, Captain Dev, who had quietly approached the window.

“What have you got there, Captain?” he asked, a teasing lilt in his tone as he caught sight of the photograph. “Admiring a special someone, are we?”

Prithvi turned, startled out of his thoughts, the photograph almost slipping from his fingers. A faint smile crossed his lips despite the pang of nostalgia that washed over him, the warmth of camaraderie momentarily distracting him from the shadows of his past.

“Captain Dev , are you still awake? Have you done with your packing for Srinagar,” Prithvi cross questioned, ignoring Dharam question , his voice low but carrying the weight of untold stories.

With a playful glint in his eye, Dharam leaned in closer and asked, "Yea, everything is done. But Tell me, Captain Shabab, who is it that has captured your heart so tenderly? Which cherished photograph holds your attention and admiration, drawing forth such heartfelt affection? Come on, don’t be shy—share the secret behind our Captain's restless nights. We’re all curious to know what has you so enthralled!"

( Itne pyaar se Captain Shabab kis ki tasveer ko deedar kar rahe hai. Zara, hume bhi toh pata chala. Finally, Captain ki raaton ki neend ujar Jane ka rajaz kya hai?)

Despite Prithvi’s efforts to brush off Dharam's playful banter, he could feel the heat rising to his cheeks. Dharam's relentless teasing, fueled by camaraderie, made it hard for him to maintain his composure.

"This is a picture of my Ranisa," Prithvi said, his voice filled with warmth and tenderness.

"Kon hai yeh Ranisa?" ("Who is Ranisa?") the curious listener asked, intrigued by the affection in Prithvi's tone.

"She is my Ranisa,..sabse masum, sabse khubsurat, aur sabse jyada sharata karti thi " he continued, his eyes lighting up with admiration. "She is truly one-of-a-kind, the most innocent and breathtakingly beautiful girl I know! Formally, she is the only daughter of Thakur Suriya pratap, padh mere liye kisi Rani se Kam nahi thi ( but to me, she stands in a league of her own)

Ranisa has a spirit that brings life to everyone around her. Despite being the daughter of a powerful Zameeder, she possesses a playful mischief that often leads to her getting into trouble. I remember countless occasions where her innocent antics would earn her loving reprimands, and more often than not, I would find myself taking the blame for her little escapades, just to protect her from Thakur Sahab's ire. Her giggles and playful charm make every moment spent with her unforgettable.

Her giggles were like a melody that could light up the darkest corners of any day, her laughter intertwining with the rustling leaves and the warm glow of the sun poured through the trees where we played. Each moment spent with her was infused with an enchanting charm, making them unforgettable. I remember the way she would pull at my sleeve, urging me to join her in some new adventure, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief and delight.

But beneath my playful exterior lay a heart that felt the weight of our social divide. I was just the son of a servant, a seemingly invisible figure in the grand tapestry of her noble life. While my heart swelled with admiration for her every enchanting glance and laugh, I grappled silently with the knowledge that we lived in different worlds. The sweet burden of my feelings became a double-edged sword; I cherished our moments together while aching to confess what lay hidden within me. But fear held me back—the fear of disrupting the delicate balance of our interactions, of facing her father’s disapproval should my feelings ever be revealed."

As Dharam sat across from Prithvi, he listened intently, absorbing every word that slipped from his friend's lips. He studied the subtle changes that flickered across Prithvi's face, the usually stoic expression revealing flickers of vulnerability and emotion that Dharma had never witnessed before. Throughout their years of camaraderie in the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), he had always viewed Captain Prithviraj Shekhawat as a man dedicated to his work, often consumed by his duty or found on the golf course, indulging in his love for sports. Tales of countless crushes from women in their line of work had reached his ears, yet Prithvi had consistently displayed an air of disinterest, never engaging or entertaining any romantic pursuits.

In the past, such behaviour had led Dharam to ponder whether Prithvi might be harbouring a hidden truth about his sexuality; perhaps his lack of attraction to women was indicative of something deeper. However, the evening before him had unveiled an unexpected side of his friend—a depth of feeling that piqued Dharma’s curiosity.

After Prithvi finally finished sharing his thoughts, Dharam leaned in, a spark of intrigue lighting his eyes.

"So, this is your Ranisa," he mused, a teasing grin spreading across his face. "But where is she? The way you describe every little detail, it's clear she must hold a special place in your heart, Captain. Just imagine if all those secret admirers of yours here got out about your darling Ranisa—how many hearts would be shattered! Have you considered that, Captain Raj ?" He chuckled, his laughter echoing in the intimate setting.

Yet Prithvi remained silent, his expression a mixture of contemplation and a hint of defensiveness, leaving the space thick with unspoken words and emotions.

Dharam leaned in, his voice tinged with concern as he addressed his friend. "So, how long have you and your Ranisa been in a relationship? You never mentioned anything about it to me. Honestly, I’m quite upset with you for keeping such a big secret."

Prithvi met Dharam's gaze, a mixture of surprise and confusion evident on his face. "Captain Dev, we have never been in a relationship. There’s nothing going on between us."

Dharam raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "What do you mean by that? So, she rejected you? Is that what you’re saying?"

Prithvi quickly interrupted before Dharam could finish his thought, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "It’s not about rejection, Captain Dev . Ranisa never even knew about my feelings for her. Honestly, it would be for the best if she never finds out."

Dharam pondered this for a moment, searching for Prithvi's expression for understanding. "But Captain," he began slowly, "why are you fixating on the negative side of this situation? If you never communicate your feelings, how can she possibly know what’s in your heart?"

"I'll never tell Ranisa," Prithvi declared softly, a hint of defiance in his voice. "And honestly, it's not that important at all. I didn’t need anyone's permission to love her from a distance. I find solace in the memories we shared, and for now, that's enough for me."

Dharam, ever the pragmatic friend, shook his head in concern. "But Captain Raj, keeping it all bottled up will only lead to more pain for you. These kinds of situations can be romanticised in movies, but reality is far different. You can’t just navigate your life by clinging to memories; that’s not sustainable."

Prithvi fell silent, absorbing Dharam's words. He considered opening up about his feelings, but the moment slipped away. Instead, he decided to steer the conversation in a different direction, hoping to lighten the mood. "Forget about me, Captain Dev," he said, breaking into a playful tone. “Let’s talk about you for a change."

With a teasing glint in his eye, Prithvi leaned in closer, a smirk forming on his lips. “So, when are you going to tie the knot, Captain Sahaab? You’re always grilling me about my future marriage; now it’s time for the spotlight to shine on you!” He chuckled, revelling in the light-hearted banter, eager to see how his friend would react.

Dharam glared at his friend, exasperation clear on his face. “Forget about my future marriage for a few years, would you? My mom is relentless—she acts like I’m a hopeless case just because I’m not tied down. It’s as if I’m a bachelor widow, can you believe it? I’ve already got two women running my life! One is my overprotective mother, and the other is my mischievous younger sister, who has a knack for driving me up the wall. Sometimes, I seriously think that if I let another woman step into my world, only the heavens would know what kind of chaos would ensue! The three of them—Chandramukhi, Manjalika, and Anjulika—would probably start a dance-off right in my living room!” Dharam burst into laughter, the image of a chaotic household filling his mind.

Prithvi chuckled at his friend's outburst, shaking his head in amusement. “Well, in that case, it sounds like you might need to pick a guy, Captain!”

Dharam raised an eyebrow, a smirk spreading across his face. “Captain Raj, I could definitely choose you, but you know what they say—tonight, you might just break my heart!”

Prithvi's eyes widened in surprise at Dharam's playful jab. He knew his friend well; Dharam was the life of the party, always cool, smart, and overflowing with fun ideas. In contrast, Prithvi was more of a reserved soul, an introvert who kept his thoughts to himself. While Dharam loved to share his feelings and experiences with the world, Prithvi preferred to observe quietly, often hiding his emotions beneath a layer of calm. The two of them were like polar opposites, yet their friendship somehow made perfect sense.

“Don’t worry, Captain Dev,” Prithvi said, a reassuring smile spreading across his face. “You’ve got the brains for it. You’ll be as compatible with the situation as peanut butter is with jelly—except maybe with less stickiness!”

Dharam chimed in, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he winked, “Let’s see who God has deemed worthy of my charms! But I’ve got a little something to say to you too, Captain Raj. Your Ranisa must be one fascinating individual; otherwise, there’s no way you’d still be this hopelessly obsessed with her after all this time. And one more thing—do try to hit the hay a bit earlier. If Major Khadoos Pratap finds out about your secret late-night rendezvous, don’t even think about using the excuse that your Ranisa stole your sleep! He'll have you suspended for a month before shipping you off to Chittorgarh faster than you can say 'suspension!’”

Prithvi burst into laughter at Dharam’s playful jibes, shaking his head in amusement. “Good night, Captain Dev! And here’s wishing you all the luck in the world for your upcoming mission. You’ll need it!”

“Thanks, Captain Raj ! And you too—good night ! Chittorgarh is counting on you to lead one of the most capable officers at DIA on this dangerous mission,” Dharam said with an exaggerated flourish, winking again before heading off to his own quarters, leaving a trail of chuckles behind him.

To be continued….