July 22, 2015, Newtown, Kolkata
I was born 23 years ago on July 22, 1994. I turned a certain age.
Everybody should keep in mind that their birthday is a very significant day of the year. Because on this day, you become a very significant individual in the lives of others. It is the kind of day when people naturally start acceptably nice around you. So, savour each moment of the day. Because the same people will not handle you the same way tomorrow. And it represents one of society’s hard realities.
Off course, since Nimrit was my roommate, she was the first to congratulate me. My parents remained up till the early hours of the morning to wish me. I was very happy after their call, but I also felt bad for them because they had to sacrifice their much-loved sleep in order to wish their daughter, who actually never recalls their birthdates.
I received calls from all of my close acquaintances. When the phone calls finally ceased at 1am, I lay in bed. The last time
60 In the Arms of a Soldier before retiring to bed, I checked WhatsApp. Surprisingly, at precisely 12am, Vikrant also wished me. I’m still conscious of that statement.
He stated: “Many many happy returns of the day PRANALI.
May this year be your most marvellous year. All your dreams, all wishes will come true. Live life, queen size. My best wishes are always with you.” How beautiful, isn’t it?
A huge surprise awaited me in the morning. Finally, I was ready to leave for the workplace. Nimrit wasn’t prepared yet. I was using the remaining time to just browse through Instagram.
Our doorbell was sounded by somebody. I had to unlock the door because Nimrit was in the bedroom. Outside, a towering man was standing. I was unable to identify him. He wore a ‘MARUTI SUZUKI’ blouse. I assumed he was an employee of Maruti Suzuki. But why did he come here?
‘Yes?’ I questioned.
He questioned me back, ‘Are you Pranali Sharma?’
‘How in the world does this man know my name?’
‘Yes, who are you?’ I enquired.
‘Madam, happy birthday. I’m Kabir, and I came from the Maruti Suzuki dealership to bring your property,’ he introduced himself.
‘My property?’ I was confused.
He motioned towards the entrance and said, ‘Look there.’
There was a “SUZUKI ACCESS 125” sign in naval blue.
‘Who’s scooter is it?’ I excitedly questioned.
‘Yours, ma’am,’ he retorted.
‘Mine?’ I questioned. I didn’t understand his words.
‘Let me be explicit, Ma’am.’ He said, ‘This is a gift from your parents for your birthday.’
‘Really?’ I questioned.
‘Yes,’ he answered. I phoned my father to find out what was going on. He assured me that he was cognizant of my transportation issue. So he chose to give me a scooter as a present.
How thoughtful he is, I thought.
Nimrit was ecstatic when she saw my present. Once I had finished the necessary paperwork, the brand-new “SUZUKI ACCESS 125” was ultimately mine. We rode my scooter to the workplace. Sorry, mine and Nimrit’s scooter. Since what belonged to me was hers and what belonged to her was also hers. Despite the fact that the workplace was our destination, the trip was fantastic.
No stress over a lost transport. No sense of pressure at all. only contentment. We got to the workplace. All of the staff members stood in front of us when I opened the door. They began singing the usual dull birthday tune.
My astonishment at this revelation was complete. My first birthday since gaining my independence was that day. And everyone truly remembered my birthday. I divided up the cake among everyone. Mr. Khanna came along with us. Pratik informed me after the brief programme that the entire workplace celebrates birthdays in the same manner as they do mine. He also informed me that I wasn’t a unique case. Was Pratik under any obligation to inform me about this?
When I was working, my phone called. Vikrant had called to say ‘hello.’ I took up a call and moved towards the balcony area.
He wished, ‘Prana a happy birthday.’
‘Thank you so much,’ I said in return.
‘Actually, I had planned to contact you at midnight, but I believed your parents might have called you.’ He added, ‘So I just texted you.’
‘No issue. But after reading your message, I was truly amazed.’
‘Wow, really?’
‘Yes,’ I answered.
He replied, ‘Prana, I’m slightly busy right now, but I’ll call you at night.’
‘Okay,’ I replied.
‘Bye, dear,’
‘Bye’. O my goodness, he called me dear, I thought, blushing.
I came back to my workstation. Nimrit left Mr. Khanna’s workplace and came back. For some crucial task, Mr. Khanna called her. When she turned around, she exclaimed joyfully,
‘Guys, I have two pieces of news for you.’
‘What?’
She smiled broadly and said, ‘The first is that I got promoted.’
‘Really?’ Shivam exclaimed with excitement. Actually, Shivam appeared to be happier than Nimrit. And you understand the reason. Telling that is unnecessary. We all congratulated her, saying, ‘That’s really great news. Congratulations.’ You know what, it was Shivam’s first time hugging Nimrit.
‘The birthday is Pranali’s, but you get the present,’ Pratik said in jest.
‘What is the second piece of news, Nimrit?’ Sonal questioned.
‘The second news is that I’ll be moved to our company’s Bengaluru branch,’ she said.
‘What?’ we all exclaimed in disbelief. Shivam offered more.
Shivam started to utter something but stopped in the middle, ‘But how can...?’ The second piece of news made everyone upset.
All of our joy vanished in an instant. We shared a lot of good times together. We spent a great deal of time together. But now she needed to leave. Team 7’s entire roster was departing from a location far from their families. We constantly missed our relatives. We supported one another because of this.
We weren’t just friends; we were more like family. As I previously mentioned, our family consisted of mother Nimrit, father Shivam, younger son Pratik, his girlfriend Sonal, and older daughter Pranali. However, our family’s mother was about to leave us. Everyone remained quiet. So it was my responsibility to reignite their passion.
‘Come to the hotel “sunrise” at 7 o’clock, guys. Tonight, we’re throwing a celebration,’ I said. Each person agreed.
My inner voice said, ‘Let’s also call Vikrant at the party tonight.’
‘That’s a really smart thought. But will he arrive?’ I questioned myself.
‘Do at least consult him first. Then we’ll see,’ my inner voice suggested me.
I wrote him, ‘Are you free tonight?’ I didn’t want to phone him and bother him. After twenty minutes, he answered. ‘Yes, but why?’ he questioned.
‘Actually, tonight is my birthday celebration.’ I wrote, ‘So, would you like to join us?’
‘But will that be acceptable?’
‘Of course,’ I affirmed.
‘Okay, I’ll certainly come along with you.’ He replied with a smile emoticon, ‘Just send me the location and I will be there.’
After work, we went back to the apartment.
I finished my work tasks at the office, and by 6pm, I decided it was time to start getting ready for the celebration. I chose to wear a long-sleeved, formal blue dress that had been a gift from Nimrit.
Nimrit herself was dressed in a stunning black gown.
One thing that put my mind at ease was that I didn’t have to worry about finding a cab or facing any driver issues because I now had my own scooty. I received a text from Shivam, letting me know he was on his way. Pratik and Sonal were also making their way to our meeting spot.
With that, we all got up and left. The evening was accompanied by a gentle breeze, and the stars in the sky shone brilliantly. It was a full moon night, so the moon itself was beaming down on us. I was having a wonderful time riding my scooter, feeling the wind in my hair.
64 In the Arms of a Soldier When we finally reached the Sunrise Hotel, I saw that Sonal, Pratik, and Shivam had already arrived. Surprisingly, they had got there before we did, and the celebration was off to an early start, thanks to them.
Pratik commanded, ‘Let’s go inside.’
I said, ‘Wait, there’s one more member coming.’
‘Who?’ Shivam enquired.
Nimrit answered, ‘My brother.’
‘Ohh, okay,’ Pratik said.
The hero stepped out of a well-known vehicle that had just pulled into the parking lot. When I saw him, I was really surprised.
I’d only seen him dressed up before, but this time, he had on a white t-shirt under his black trousers. He topped it off with a cool black leather jacket, and he looked incredibly stylish, like a Hollywood star. I couldn’t help but think of Chris Hemsworth, one of my favourite Hollywood actors.
He even had on dark sunglasses, even though it was night-time. Who wears sunglasses at night? But he still looked great with his clean-shaven face, strong muscles, and broad shoulders.
And the same superb figure.
He said, ‘Happy birthday, Prana.’
I responded, ‘Thank you so much.’
‘Meet him, guys. Vikrant is my older sibling,’ as Nimrit said when she introduced him to everyone.
Pratik extended his right hand and greeted Vikrant, saying,
‘Nice to meet you.’ Vikrant took off his glasses. Vikrant extended his palm and said, ‘Me too.’
Nimrit remarked, ‘And you know something, he is in “Para Special Forces”.’
Pratik responded startlingly and unexpectedly, ‘What?’ His hands began to tremble.
Vikrant questioned him, ‘What happened?’.
With a frightening grin on his face, Pratik exclaimed in relief,
‘Aa.. no.. nothing.. nothing at all.’
‘Good to meet you, sir. My name is Shivam.’
‘Oh, so Shivam you are.’ Vikrant remarked, ‘I’ve heard a lot about you.’ Shivam was quite frightened.
‘Aa.. what, sir?’ questioned Shivam.
‘I’ve only heard positive things about you, so don’t worry.
Not like Pratik,’ said Vikrant. Pratik appeared to be crying.
Nimrit introduced Sonal to Vikrant by saying, ‘She is Sonal.’
‘Hello, Sonal,’ said Vikrant.
Sonal responded, ‘Pleasure to meet you, sir.’
‘Let’s enter now,’ I said.
We walked into the hotel’s lobby, and it felt as it we had stepped into a time when fancy furniture decorated with valuable metals was seen as a sign of elegance and luxury. The hotel’s inside looked modern yet simple. They used furniture in a way that felt natural, and the lighting made the place feel warm and inviting. Their idea of simplicity was evident, and I really liked it.
The staff working there seemed fashionable and attractive. There was even a guitar placed on a chair in the middle of the lobby, adding a touch of charm to the whole setting.
‘Why is that guitar there?’ I questioned Vikrant.
‘You know, I’m not this hotel’s manager. So you should track him down and ask him this query,’ he said. I squeezed his elbow.
He mutely shrieked, ‘Ouch.’
We settled in.
Sonal gave me a gift and said, ‘This is for you, Prana.’ Inside the gift were beautiful jhumkaas, and they sparkled in the light.
Shivam then handed me a bottle of lovely perfume. Pratik, being his usual thoughtful self, gifted me a pendant that gleamed with elegance.
As I unwrapped the jewellery, I couldn’t help but notice a hint of envy in Sonal’s eyes. Still, I thanked them all with a grateful
66 In the Arms of a Soldier heart. We decided to order some paneer tikka and mushrooms to enjoy together.
While we savoured our meal, Pratik started talking in a playful and light-hearted manner, sharing jokes and stories. We all laughed and enjoyed the moment. Amidst the joy and camaraderie, I couldn’t help but feel fortunate to have such wonderful friends.
To my surprise, our Para Commando, presented me with a beautiful Golden Titan Watch. I was deeply touched by his thoughtful gesture, and I knew that this watch would always remind me of him and our special bond.
As we continued to chat and share stories, I realized that these moments with my friends were priceless. Their gifts and their presence made this gathering truly memorable, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the love and friendship that surrounded me.
Vikrant said to me, ‘Hold on a second.’
‘Okay,’ I retorted. We eventually heard some acoustic music.
But we didn’t pay it any mind. We assumed that a music system was playing it.
I recognised the voice immediately. I spun around to see who it was. Surprise! He was Vikrant. I was once again surprised by that. I was aware of how excellent his voice is. But I never imagined that he knew about sur and taal music. He used it to play the instrument as well. What a man of many talents. He pointed towards me as he was saying, ‘This song is for you.’
The song was finished. Everybody applauded for him. He came and sat besides me.
I murmured to Vikrant, ‘I won’t forget this moment. Thank you.’ He nodded.
A tremendous meal awaited us, and the food was absolutely delicious. After settling the bill, I expressed my gratitude to everyone for making my birthday so memorable. With heartfelt goodbyes, we headed back to our house.
As soon as we arrived home, I was so exhausted that I practically collapsed into bed. It had been an incredibly special
day filled with joy and celebration. However, there was a cloud of unease hanging over me because I had received some troubling news.
Nimrit, my dearest friend and housemate, had been transferred.
It hit me hard that I would have to spend the next 30 days without her by my side. Nimrit was not just a friend; she was like family to me. We shared a unique bond and a deep attachment. The thought of facing my days without her was almost unbearable.
Lost in my thoughts and worries, I drifted into unconsciousness, unaware of the world around me. I couldn’t help but wonder how I would cope with her absence and what my days would be like without my closest confidante and companion.
…
Finally, the time had come for Nimrit to leave from our workplace and join the Bengaluru branch of our business. A month had flown by in no time. We tried to have fun together during those 30 days without getting into any pointless arguments.
But the truth is, we are female. And these pointless fights are an integral component of our daily lives.
Nimrit’s modest send-off celebration was organised by Mr.
Khanna. merely to enhance the significance and memory of her final day of employment. I handed her the keys and reclined in the backseat as I waited to enter the office. Everyone was already there when we arrived.
When word spread that it was her last day at that workplace, everyone became upset. Everyone in our workplace loved her, including me. Everyone found it extremely difficult to embrace the reality that ‘she will not work with us anymore.’
That day, she was incredibly sensitive. You know what, though, we have to make some compromises in order to move closer to our goal. Since joy following the realisation of our goal is greater than sorrow as a result of these sacrifices. She was promoted. Both her status and her pay had grown. Her entire existence would soon change. In Bengaluru, she had to finish the next stage of her
68 In the Arms of a Soldier existence. Everything was novel to her—the location, the people, everything. But I was confident that she would quickly become accustomed to it.
Although Vikrant was very upset, he was pleased that her sister was promoted to a higher position in her business. The fact that Nimrit was hired in the same city as her brother’s posting was actually a huge accident. because troops aren’t always stationed close to their loved ones. Living in the same metropolis was truly a stroke of luck and coincidence for them both.
Shivam was the person in the workplace who was most upset.
I questioned him about his wellbeing. He told me he was all right while lying. He wasn’t, though. His one and only love was leaving him and travelling far away. He still hadn’t declared his affection for Nimrit. However, he was still very protective of her.
It was time for the farewell function following our business hours. However, one individual was absent their. Shivam had vanished. The first person to note his absence was Nimrit. She muttered ‘Where is Shiv?’ in my ear.
I said, ‘I don’t know. Wait I will find out.’
I pondered his possible location. So I gave him a call. On the balcony, he claimed to be. I then stood in line to enter the balcony.
He was standing on the terrace’s apex and gazing up. Sky was overcast. I could feel how he was. I understood his emotions. I moved slowly in his direction. He appeared to be truly disoriented.
‘Why are you in this place? The programme has already started,’ I declared.
‘Yes... I know,’ he retorted.
I questioned, ‘So why are you here?’
He paused before finally responding, ‘Because... I don’t know.’
I asked, my eyes fixed on the clouds, ‘Listen Shivam, why don’t you confess to her?’
‘Because I’m not sure of how she’ll respond.’ Looking down, he asked, ‘What if she refuses me and excludes me from her life forever?’
‘I’m not sure how she’ll respond, Shivam, but I think you should confess your love for her. She won’t do anything you are thinking on her doing. That is my promise. If something goes awry, I’ll take care of it. So stop being a baby and start behaving like a man. Let’s leave now; Nimrit is waiting.’
‘What?’
‘Yes,’ I responded, ‘She is the one who noticed your absence and she only sent me here.’ He grinned. ‘Come with me now,’ I said.
Nimrit was overjoyed when Shivam arrived. The programme went on. Shivam declined to comment on Nimrit, considering that he was aware of his inability to control his feelings.
Nimrit finally stood up to talk. ‘Good Afternoon, everybody.
I’m stunned, to be perfectly honest. First of all, I want to appreciate you for organising this lovely event. I started working here two years ago. I recently received a raise, so I must travel to Bengaluru.
‘I’m taking a lot of information with me when I leave today.
Working here has been a wonderful educational opportunity, and I am appreciative of the abilities I have gained. I believe that spending each day here with you all has improved my overall well-being. I’ve improved my ability to accept criticism, praise, and guidance. I used to struggle with these three things, but now I feel like I can use them in a variety of circumstances. In order to produce a fantastic outcome, I’ve also learned to be open-minded, respect other people’s views, and take into account other ideas in addition to mine.
‘I want to appreciate Mr. Khanna once more. He gave me a lot of advice and support. My roommate and best friend Pranali. Shivam, Pratik, and Sonal make up my squad of seven.
I appreciate your assistance and support, everyone. I’m grateful for this farewell celebration and eager to learn about your future successes. Thank you thanks a lot.’
70 In the Arms of a Soldier She was praised by everyone. She gave everyone a smile and wished them farewell.
…
Shivam requested a coffee meeting with Nimrit after the programme was over. Nimrit agreed. I went back to my room by myself after Shivam assured me that he would leave Nimrit. I was curious to hear Shivam’s response. I was hoping everything goes well.
After a while, Nimrit came back. She gave a cheerful vibe.
I assumed everything was fine and was very curious to find out.
I eagerly questioned, ‘What happened, what did he say?’
She responded, ‘I’m so exhausted right now that I’m going to take a bath first, then I’ll inform you.’ My desire was growing as she spoke. She washed too slowly. Finally, she came back. ‘Ok, now inform me. What just happened?’
‘All right, I’ll tell you.’ She said, ‘Let me have a cup of water first.’
Angrily, I uttered, ‘Nimrit.’
She exclaimed, ‘Ha.. ha.. ha..’ with a Dayan laugh. ‘Okay, now please be patient.’
‘Please tell me,’ I pleaded naively.
‘Listen, now. He drove me to Mongivilla Café. You know, it’s really a great café,’ she said.
‘I have no desire to hear how excellent café Mongivilla is. Tell me now precisely what transpired between you two.’
‘We first grabbed a seat.’ I was asked, “What will you have?”
by him. I retorted, ‘Umm.. just hot coffee.” “Please, two hot coffees,” he commanded. There was a lengthy pause following that. Although he seemed very anxious, I knew he had to tell me something.
“Shivam,” I uttered. “Would you mind telling me something?”
“Yes”
“Then tell me, please.”
“Nimrit, the thing is.....”
He was cut off by the waiter, “Your coffee, sir.”
He said to the server, “Thank you.”
I pleaded to him to go on.
“Nimrit, the thing is...”
“What is that?”
He said, “Nimrit, I love you.” I was taken aback. My pupils bulged wide. “Yes, Nimrit, I adore you so,” he continued. Once more, there was a lengthy pause.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier,” I naively questioned.
“I was terrified”
“Who or what?”
“I truly love you, Nimrit. I was therefore afraid that you would dismiss me. What if I’m blocked by you? Many more queries came to mind. I never told you that I loved you,” he said.
“How can you conceive of everything on your own, idiot?
Who informed you that I would act in such a way? Who informed you I would block you, exactly?” I asked, “Who informed you that I don’t like you?”
Surprised, he inquired, “What?”
His palm in mine, I said, “I also adore you, Shiv. But you waited too long to admit it. I don’t know when we’ll meet again because I’m going tomorrow.” His eyes started to tear up. I continued, “But I promise you one thing: I am only yours, and very shortly we will get married.”‘
‘What do you mean by that, Nimrit?’ I questioned.
‘Yes,’ Nimrit affirmed.
I teased, ‘Means you also loved him, right?’
‘Aa…’ she cried out, ‘I have to pack my bags,’ and walked out.
...
We received a major surprise at night. The length of our doorbell. Guess what, Pratik, Shivam, and Sonal stood there when I opened the door.
I questioned, ‘What are you doing here at this time?’
‘You step aside.’ Pratik responded, ‘We are here for Nimrit,’
and pushed me. Nimrit entered the foyer. Nimrit questioned,
‘What happened guys, why are you here?’
‘You know, Nimrit, this is our final night as Team 7 together,’
Pratik said.
‘So,’ Shivam added, ‘We are here to make it more memorable.’
Sonal added, ‘And we are staying here tonight.’
Pratik yelled, ‘Aaj raat sona mana hai (sleeping tonight is not allowed)!’
Sonal said, ‘We will sing, dance, eat, drink, and enjoy the entire night.’ Nimrit and I were both in awe. But they had a point.
Since it was Team 7’s final night together, it had to be special. So the celebration started.
We started with a DJ night. After we collapsed from exhaustion, Pratik brought us pizza and beer. We then began playing Antaxari.
I have no idea when we went to sleep.
I opened my eyes to find Nimrit standing by a window. Shivam eventually approached her. I pretended to be asleep because I wanted to see what would happen next. They gave each other an embrace. For me, it came as quite a surprise. I kept playing because I didn’t wanted to ruin their ecstatic moment. They amazed me more when they kissed each other, when idiot Pratik ruined the occasion with his remark, ‘Wah.. kya scene hai (Ohh..
what a scene)’. Nimrit and Shivam felt ashamed. I began to beat Pratik along with Sonal.
…
At 1pm, Nimrit had reporting. After waking up, we had brunch as a group. I phoned Vikrant to check on whether or not he would be sending Nimrit. However, he claimed that he was unable to attend because he had a crucial meeting. Nimrit made the decision to first travel to her house, remain there for a few days, and then join her new job in Bengaluru.
We got to the airport. On Shivam’s motorcycle, Nimrit arrived. It was time to say our last goodbyes. So we gave each other hugs, said farewell in a friendly manner, and wished her a long and healthy life. But just as I was about to enter the terminal, she walked up to me and said, ‘You know something? I think Vikkie bhaiyya loves you back,’
‘Back? What does she mean when she said “back”?,’ asked myself.
We remained there for a while before going back to our separate rooms.
The space felt bare. For the previous five months, Nimrit was with me. She and I slept in the same bed. She has since vanished.
Vikrant was the one who could comprehend my feelings, so I called him at night. In reality, every girl requires a male friend with whom she feels comfortable sharing anything. It’s not essential to be in a relationship. Her closest friends could be him. He must be trustworthy, which is ultimately what matters most.
Girls do not readily or easily express their emotions to any guy, and if they do, it means that person is very special to them.
You guys must therefore uphold their confidence. Anyhow, let’s get to the tale. I felt fantastic after talking to Vikrant. We were getting closer to one another every day.
I could no longer tolerate the loneliness. I then asked my mother to come remain with me. Mother, who adores her children dearly, is the only person who is aware of the mood swings of her children. It is clear that she was overjoyed to see me again.
She had many sweets and other food products with her when she arrived here. One thing I forgot to tell you. My mother’s name is Anjali Sharma.
‘Prano, I will make your favourite biryani for you.’ she always knew what I wanted.
‘Why don’t we welcome your friend Vikrant to dinner tonight, Prano?’ she enquired. I told her everything I knew about Vikrant.
She didn’t mind that I was so close to him, unlike other mothers.
She actually has a very modern mind-set. She encouraged me in every choice I made. I am extremely fortunate to have her.
Vikrant accompanied us since he was free that evening.
Mother was overjoyed to see him. She was extremely happy that I had made a companion who supports our country. Vikrant loved the way she treated him like her own child. Mom was avidly enquiring about his military experiences. She appeared to be attending his interview, though, mothers are mothers, whatever.
The biryani had been made. Mom gave it to us both. Its fragrance permeated the entire apartment. Without a question, it was improved. First mouthful was taken by Vikrant. He must have received a prize for his excessive acting at the time, in my opinion.
He said, ‘Aunty, you make biryani that is far more delectable than you daughter.’ Mom ascended Mount Everest right away.
Mom stood by my side for a week. She frequently asked Vikrant over for dinner. Additionally, this active fighter always found time for it. I had no issues with it. They became the best of pals in just a week. Now, I was having a lot of trouble with this. They began treating me like I was a statue of a girl kept on a couch that was lifeless. They gave me the cold shoulder. Vikrant was making my own mother ignore me. And I’m not going to ever forget what he did. And my mother was attempting to separate me from my best friend. I will never be able to pardon her for that.
‘Mom, you must now return to Mumbai,’ I informed her. Dad was there alone, and it was clear that he missed his one and only wife. I felt sorry for him. Nobody who could take care of him was present. Now don’t call me “Papa ki pari (angel of dad)” I too developed emotional stability. And so she went. Vikrant, however, clearly missed her more than I did.
I still recall how irresponsible I was when my mother was around. I used to get up an hour or so before work. My mother used to make breakfast and pack my lunch. She waited for me when I got back. She washed all my garments, kept my apartment tidy, and did a lot more for me. But after she left, I really missed her.
