The next morning's rays brought lots of noise and excitement to her neighbourhood. Just as the old lady had told her, it was the birthday celebrations of the young master of the family. Her eyes shone when she realised her husband might come for his nephew's birthday. Manku was the only child of the family. Her eldest sister-in-law was labelled as barren when after seven years of marriage, she was unable to give any child to the family. But as she belonged to a rich family background and was highly educated, no one dared to send her back to her parental house. Her mother-in-law was also not very fond of the second daughter-in-law and preferred the company of the eldest one which was also the reason she was still the eldest daughter-in-law of the family.

The Sun was about to set too. Hiding behind the door, Nidhi's eyes were glued to the entrance of haveli to recognise one particular figure. She had not seen him after their marriage day. But he had not seen her even on that day as the huge veil was covering her face. She was afraid that he didn't like her.

                                                                                             ***

Sitting in one of the military vans, Pawan was on his way to another mission and was staring at the setting sun. This sun had witnessed the failure of their last mission.

Flashback

"Danger imminent, please advise, the target is starting to move.... "

"Engage them," Sreekath ordered. However, his orders confused his team, "Sorry Sir, come again?"

"Engage them.... no one will attack. You are authorised to engage." Pawan and Shree looked in Sreekanth's direction, his face was moist and heartbeat raced.

"What I feared might have come true, Retreat, this second."

His voice made them realise their enemy was aware of their every move. He guessed there was a traitor among them but it was too late and they were already in the trap of the enemy.

Captain Sreekanth had ordered him to retreat with his fiancé Captain Shree. He couldn't understand why the captain ordered so. In front of their eyes, he proceeded further and disappeared. His friend, Sreekanth was held hostage. Though Pawan obeyed the orders of his senior and brought back Captain Shree safely, he had hoped his old friend would complete the mission and will soon return safely.

A week passed and his conscience blamed him for abandoning his leader cum good friend. Three days later they received a blood-soaked rotten body. Captain was recognized from his uniform. Thereafter Shree, his fiancée, ended in depression.

Recalling the events of that trivial day, self-guilt once again started engulfing him when Shergill gave him a postcard. "It arrived last week."

It was his sister-in-law's invitation letter for his nephew's birthday celebration. Her parental family was coming and she had expressed her wish for her husband's both brothers to be present on occasion. Himank was his only nephew and if he was not mistaken, his birthday was on the very day. It was too late to return.

Sighing he looked far away. In his worries, he lost track of time. He even forgot someone was waiting for him. The darkness of the tunnel engulfed them, and he knew it was time to report on Jalori Headquarters base.

***

After yesterday's event, Nidhi was not expecting her second sister-in-law to call her to the celebrations. So she found a good corner in haveli to peep in. It had been hours and by now she was tired of standing.

"It seems he is either not invited or not willing to come home." She made a face and returned to her work to distract her mind. But to her surprise, the old family servant came running, calling her name, "Fauji Kii Lahri..... Ooo Fauji ki Lahri." (Soldier's wife)

"Ji kaka, I am here only, how can I help you?"

"Come along, Boji is calling you."

"Did anyone notice my presence earlier? Are they making a fuss?" She shivered

"Don't ask anything now, you just come with me. "

Both rushed towards the family haveli and saw a commotion going on. A beautifully dressed middle-aged lady was standing next to Aruna, her proud second sister-in-law.

Seeing the servant returning with a young girl, Mrs Sharman, the owner of Sharman Handloom industries and handicrafts, narrowed her eyes.

"You mean she made this design?" She inquired, eyeing Nidhi from top to toe.