Cherished Wounds ( Updated Ch 14 ) Pg 140 22/06

The brutal wind ripped it's way through the picturesque valleys of Kashmir. The little freckles of snow were still falling. The charcoal black roads, blanketed by the soft snow, was being removed by the local workers. The windswept trees, the intones of the rippling water hid beautifully the tremors of the ongoing warfare and bloodshed in the valley.

The sun had yet not risen, but it announced its arrival by radiating a twinge of red and orange into the periwinkle sky, as Arnav stood on patio of one the many houses of the Army Cantonetment, slightly shivering because of the chillling winter winds. He loved this part of the day, it gave him a sheer strenght the calm, unusual joy and the feeling of being in control. As the crooning of the birds resounded in his ears, he mentally went through his schedule for the day , as the strong caffeiene seeped through his veins, providing the much needed warmth.

'I heard. More injured cases at the Base Hospital,' Azaan Singh Raizada stated in his usual steely tone, directed at his son standing beside him, as he looked out into the vast sky, his face enveloped in grim seriousness.

'56 more than before. Two doctors at the Base are not enough, Dad. We need more help. Maybe a team of nurses, a few more doctors from the city,' Arnav replied, slightly worried.

'I know. I've summoned a team. Its being headed by a certain Khushi, from Kashmir itself. They should be here by tomorrow.'

Arnav nodded in agreement, a little relieved.

The war had taken a toll on the lives of many. Men and women, children and infants, it had spared none. Be it the comman man, or the soldiers. And the fierce winter was not helping.

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Khushi was slightly tensed. She had been aprehending this day since her posting on the outskirts of the valley. She had tended to many. Some grieviously injured, other probably suffering from mild fevers. But she knew that serving at the Front, at the Army Base Hospital was no child's play. She admired, rather prided in the service of the Army men, the soldiers giving away their nights' sleep for the people's well-being. She had wanted to be posted there since long. But she didn't deny to herself, that she was scared.

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The winter winds took their course, carving out their path through the alpine meadows, betwixt the cerulean blue waters and the battered rocks. The storms had announced their arrival and so had the rain.

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INDEX

Prologue

First Impressions

Toxic Perception

Under The Same Sky

The Battle Between Heart & Mind

Static Waves

A Little Salt,And Then, Sugar

Under My Skin

Golden Smiles

Frenzied Breaths

The Thorns Among The Roses

Savage Flowers

Love & Denial

Vibrations Of Broken Strings

Break Of Dawn

Thread 2

totally worth a read!!

thanks for the pm!

xx

thanks for the pm