Vaishnavi's POV

I wake up panting heavily and sweating profusely. I pour water in glass with shaking hands and gulp it down in a go.

Again the same dream! When will I stop seeing this dream? 

You must be thinking why am I so shaken up because of a dream. It is because it is not just a dream, it is the horrible past I have lived. 

I close my eyes and take deep breaths.

When will I forget these memories? Will they haunt me like this forever?

It had been two years since that incident happened. Although I pretend to be okay in front of my parents but deep down it is still killing me. 

I am still scared to go out anywhere alone. I still feel that those people are following me.

I know that I can't spend my life fearing from my past but sometimes there are somethings that leave a deep scar on your life and minds.

The incident is that scar. I lost my best friend, my Shreya to it.

I close my eyes and a few tears fall from my eyes.

Why did it have to happen to us? To her?

I wish I could have done something to save her.

'Its not your fault!'

I know. But I can't help it. I am alive while she is not. She took my death. It should have been me instead of her. Only if I had not reacted impulsively.

I wipe my tears hearing a knock on the door.

Papa peeks in and smiles seeing me awake.

"Mai tumhe uthane hi aa rha tha. Come. Walk pr jaane ke time hai."

(I was coming to wake you only. Its time for a walk.)

I smile and nod. I move to the bathroom and he goes out.

I stand under the warm shower and let the water take away those memories for the time being.

Wearing my jogging clothes I move out.

I greet papa and we go to the park for our morning walk.

After our walk we sit on the bench and drink water.

"Aaj phir wahi sapna aaya?"

(Saw that dream again?)

He asks me and I sigh. I nod and he wraps his arm around me and a few tears leak my eyes.

"I miss her papa. Sab kuch meri wajah se-"

(It was all because of me-)

"Shh! You could not have done anything. Those people were too strong. Shreya ke mummy papa bhi tujhe blame nhi krte then why do you keep punishing yourself?"

(Shreya's parents also don't blame you.)

"Kyunki wo waha nhi the papa. I was. She died my death. Agar mai chup rehti toh wo log usse nhi le kar jaate aur-aur wo shayad aaj zinda hoti."

(Because they weren't there. If I would have kept quiet they wouldn't have taken her and-and she would have been alive.)

He hugs me tightly as I cry. Whatever they say I can never forgive myself.

Akshat's POV

I sign the commando behind me to take move. He nods and enters the building.

"Commander we are waiting for your instructions."

I hear another commando say through the earpiece.

"Positions!"

"Clear sir! Target in sight!"

"Can we make it?"

"Yes sir."

"Do it!"

I order and I hear several fires shot through. I enter through the backside and check around for any terrorists or any hostages.

"All clear sir. Target shot dead! We did it sir."

"Good job! Check for any survivors and hostages!"

I too look around.

Nothing! I was about to leave when I heard a soft wail.

I move to the direction of the sound. I crouch under the bed and see a small child of about 8 years hiding under it and crying silently.

"Heyy! Bahar aao!"

(Come out!)

He looks at me and cowers back in fear.

I smile and keep my gun aside. I forward my hand and say.

"Relax! Ghabrao mat! Mai kuch nhi karunga tumhe! I am here to save you. Come."

(Don't be scared! I am not doing anything!)

At first he didn't move and continue to look at me. Slowly he came out and gave his hand in mine. I pulled him out and hugged him. He cried.

"Shh! Its okay. You are safe!"

I clings to me and I move out holding him carefully while looking around for any danger.

After we move out I ask one of the commandoes to take the kid away and I ask for reports and once we are all clear we blast the camp.

On our way back I ask the medical incharge to look after the boy.

"He is alright Sir. Just scared. He'll be fine eventually."

I smile and nod. We did it. We completed another mission successfully. With zero casualties.

I smile as I remember the boy. His eyes. They remind me of someone. Someone I am unable to forget. Its been two years but I still can't forget it.

A smile involuntarily forms on my face as I remember her.

"You are smiling creepily again."

One of my commandoes who also happens to be my confidant teases me. He knows about it. I roll my eyes and maintain a cool facade.

"I am happy we did it."

"Haan haan. You were happy about this mission. Not the past one."

(Yes yes.)

"Shut up!"

He laughed and I smiled again.

"Waise suna hai aunty ji aajkal janab ke liye ladkiyan dhund rhi hai."

(I heard aunty is finding bride for you.)

"What's the use! I am not going to get married."

"Kyu? Waise bhi you are taking voluntary retirement in two years."

(Why?)

Yes! I am taking voluntary retirement. It was sudden decision. After papa's death an year ago, mumma got all alone. So for her I am retiring from field job and will take up desk job instead.

"I know but I don't think I can handle the responsibility of a wife."

"I don't think that's the reason."

He said mischievously and I know what he is going to say next.

"You don't want anyone else as your wife. Commander ka dil aa gaya uss ladki pr."

(Commander has lost his heart to that girl.)

He said wiggling his eyebrows and I glared at him.

He pursed his lips to control his laughter. He maybe right though!

The mission was over and we were appreciated for our work. We were given our breaks until the next mission.

I packed my bags and returned home.

Mumma hugged me tightly as soon as I entered.

"Kitni lambi business trips hoti hai teri. Agli baar ya toh mujhe saath le kar chalio ya phir mere saath ke liye kisi ko le aa."

(Why are your business trips so long. Next time take me with you or being someone for my company.)

I know what she is hinting at.

"Mumma yaar!"

"Nhi. Ab kuch nhi sun rhi mai. Teri umar mai tere papa aur mujhe tu ho bhi gaya tha."

(No. I am not listening to anything now. In your age me and your father had you.)

I groan and say.

"Mujhe nhi janna ye sab mumma. Fine! Fix krlo meet lekin mai haan nhi kr rha. Milne ke baad discuss krenge."

(I don't want to know all this. Fix a meet but I am not saying yes. We'll discuss this after the meeting.)

"Hayee mera bacha!"

(My baby!)

Mothers!
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