For A Soldier, the Nation is Always First In the Arms of a Soldier
BUDDHABHUSHAN HANUMANT KUCHEKAR
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IN THE ARMS OF A SOLDIER
by Buddhabhushan Hanumant Kuchekar
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First, 2024
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The love story of Pranali and Vikrant was an unlikely one.
Pranali was an ordinary girl from Mumbai, while Vikrant was a Para Commando Major from the army. Their paths crossed one day at Victoria Garden in Kolkata, and they were drawn to each other immediately. Despite coming from different worlds, they fell deeply in love and decided to get married.
However, fate had other plans. Just two days before their wedding, Vikrant was called away on a mission. He had to leave Pranali behind, with their love story left incomplete. The pain of separation was immense, and Pranali struggled to cope with the loneliness and the uncertainty of not knowing when Vikrant would return.
Despite the challenges, Pranali held onto the hope that one day Vikrant would come back to her. She remained steadfast in her love for him, praying for his safe return and dreaming of the day when they could finally be united and together again. Their love story may have been interrupted, but it was far from over.
As an author, it has been my greatest pleasure to bring to you my first novel, the love story of Pranali and Major Vikrant, a story that is both beautiful and poignant in its simplicity. ‘IN THE
ARMS OF A SOLDIER ‘ is a story about two individuals who come from very different worlds, but who find a connection that transcends all barriers.
At its core, this book is a celebration of love - the love between two people, the love of country and the love of duty. It is a story that explores the sacrifices made by our soldiers, the challenges they face, and the courage they show in the face of adversity.
Through the eyes of our protagonist, Captain Vikrant, we get a glimpse of the hardships and the emotional toll that the life of a soldier can take.
However, this book is not just about the soldier’s life, but also about the joys and sorrows of ordinary people. The character of Pranali represents the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the common person, and her journey is as much a part of this story as Vikrant’s.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices and service of our brave soldiers who put their lives on the line every day to protect our country. This book is a small tribute to their courage and resilience, and to their unwavering dedication to duty.
I hope that through the pages of this book, readers will gain a greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by our soldiers, and the importance of the role they play in our society. It is my hope that this book will inspire readers to reflect on the value of love,
friendship, and service, and to appreciate the sacrifices made by those who serve our country.
In writing this book, I have tried to stay true to the emotions and experiences of the people who inspired it. I have attempted to portray the human side of our soldiers and their families, and to show the impact of their lives on those around them.
Thank you for taking the time to read this book, and I hope it will be a meaningful and enjoyable experience for you.
Sincerely,
– Buddhabhushan Hanumant Kuchekar
October 2018, Andheri East, Mumbai, Pranali sat nervously at a corner table in Janvaar Restaurant, located in the busy district of Andheri East. In the bustling surroundings of the restaurant, Pranali was enveloped in a sea of strangers, yet she felt strangely alone. Her life had become a complex web of emotions, and in this moment, she was at a crossroads, uncertain of the path she should take.
As she anxiously scanned the restaurant, her eyes locked onto a tall figure entering the eatery. He was dressed in a pair of black pants and a neatly pressed navy blue shirt. His glasses framed his eyes, and his clean-shaven appearance showcased a sense of professionalism. Every step he took exuded confidence and purpose.
This man was Dr. Sameer, a doctor by profession and the son of a friend of Pranali’s father. Their families had harboured hopes of a lasting partnership between them, envisaging a future where Pranali and Sameer would find happiness together.
However, as Pranali sat there, awaiting his arrival, her heart was elsewhere. It was consumed by the memory of “HIM”.
She knew that her heart belonged to “HIM”, and despite the expectations of her family and the presence of Dr. Sameer, Pranali yearned for the return of her true love.
In this moment, two worlds collided within Pranali. On one side, there was Dr. Sameer, a man with a promising future and the potential for a stable life together. On the other side, there was
the girl with a broken heart, who longed for the return of the one person who had captured her soul.
Dr. Sameer sat in front of her and apologised for being late.
She smiled and replied, ‘It’s fine.’ She then turned to look at her fingers on her hands. Pranali hesitated to tell Dr. Sameer something, even though he knew she wanted to. Given that it was their first meeting, he wanted her to feel at ease.
‘What would you like to order?’ he asked, his voice warm with a hint of curiosity.
Without much contemplation, Pranali responded with simplicity, ‘Cappuccino.’
Dr. Sameer, seeking to ensure her comfort, sought further clarification, ‘Nothing more?’
Pranali, replied with a concise ‘No.’
The nearby waiter, attentive to their exchange, approached to take their orders and then quietly retreated to fulfil their requests.
A pause enveloped their table, and Pranali, her attention drawn to her fingers, was lost in her thoughts.
Sensing the unusual silence, Dr. Sameer turned his focus towards Pranali. With genuine concern in his eyes, he asked,
‘What’s wrong, Pranali? Do you have anything you want to share with me?’
Pranali, her decision weighing heavily on her, took a deep breath and admitted, ‘Yes.’
Dr. Sameer, his face devoid of emotion, encouraged her to speak her mind, ‘Go ahead.’
With a heavy heart, Pranali voiced her inner turmoil, ‘Actually, I don’t want to marry you.’
Dr. Sameer, taken aback by the unexpected revelation, inquired, ‘What?’
Pranali continued, her voice trembling with sincerity, ‘Sameer, you are genuinely a nice person. If I could, I would marry you.
But...’
‘Your order, sir,’ the waiter interrupted.
Dr. Sameer, maintaining his composure, simply replied,
‘Thank you,’ and both he and Pranali took their first sips of the cappuccino.
As the coffee provided a brief interlude, Dr. Sameer pressed for an explanation, ‘But what?’
Pranali, her eyes drifting out to the street beyond, confessed,
‘There is someone I love. And I’m awaiting for his return.
Regardless of how long I have to wait, I’ll wait for him without a doubt.’
Dr. Sameer, his confusion evident, inquired further, ‘Wait?
Wait for who?’
Pranali, her gaze still fixed on the road, hesitated momentarily before she revealed the name that held her heart. ‘My lover, who is a para commando. MAJOR VIKRANT SHERGIL.’
The revelation seemed to stun Dr. Sameer. He could only reply, ‘Ohh.. all right.’
With her attention firmly on the road, Pranali’s thoughts began to drift, reminiscing about the past and the feelings that had shaped her.
Dr. Sameer, eager to understand, attempted to draw her back to the present. ‘So what happened?
Pranali, her emotions still raw and her story complex, considered her words before speaking, ‘It’s a long narrative.’
But Dr. Sameer, undeterred and wanting to be a friend even if they couldn’t pursue a romantic relationship, gently encouraged her, ‘But I’d want to hear it.’
Pranali remained reticent for a moment, then finally conceded,
‘All right. I’ll let you know. However, let’s go outside. The street looks lovely.’
Dr. Sameer, showing his considerate nature, agreed. ‘All right, I’ll pay the bill and come with you.’
Pranali expressed her gratitude, and as she left the cafe, a cool breeze brushed against her cheeks, imparting a rosy tint to her milk-coloured complexion. She savoured the sensation, closing her eyes briefly to immerse herself in the moment.
Dr. Sameer, after settling the bill, joined her outside. Pranali appreciated the gallant gesture, and the two of them walked together on the charming streets.
As they strolled, Dr. Sameer kindly reiterated his willingness to listen to her story. Pranali, with a gentle smile, agreed, and the stage was set for her to share the intricate tale of her heart and the man she was waiting for.
Description 5
Author’s Note 7
Prologue 9
PART A: Pranali Began the Narration...
15
CHAPTER 1: The Hearts Embrace 17
CHAPTER 2: Friends for Life 29
CHAPTER 3: Definition of Love 48
CHAPTER 4: My Birthday
59
CHAPTER 5: Siddharth Khanna 76
CHAPTER 6: The Heart’s Enchantment 85
CHAPTER 7: Loves Awakening
99
CHAPTER 8: Pranali, Para Commando’s Girlfriend 103
PART B: The Narration was Interrupted by Dr. Sameer’s Phone Ringtone...
107
CHAPTER 9: I Will Wait for Him 109
CHAPTER 10: Love in the Air
119
CHAPTER 11: The Twist of Fate 126
CHAPTER 12: The Truth Revealed 138
CHAPTER 13: An Eternal Love Story 142
CHAPTER 14: The Fact is, He is a Para Commando 149
CHAPTER 15: Something Worth Waiting For 160
CHAPTER 16: Whispers of Longing 172
CHAPTER 17: The Beckoning of Kashmir 178
CHAPTER 18: Vikrant’s Diary
192
CHAPTER 19: The Choice He Made 202
CHAPTER 20: The Biggest Secret Revealed 208
CHAPTER 21: The Haunting Dream 216
CHAPTER 22: A Father’s Reluctance 221
CHAPTER 23: Finally, it’s Happening 226
CHAPTER 24: Still Waiting
232
CHAPTER 25: Always in My Heart 236
