|AUTHOR|

Meera took a deep breath and narrated the entire incident while taking deep breaths in between. Narrating the entire thing was no less than living those moments. All the memories flashed in Meera's head. She didn't want to relive them but somehow it felt therapeutic in a way.

Sharing it with Veer reduced her burden. A few more tears cascaded down her face. A million questions loomed in her head. Who could have attacked them? What were their intentions? Why would they do that?

Veer too had the same questions blaring in his mind. He was fuming with anger that something like this had taken place. He maintained his blank face throughout the time. Meera sniffed and wiped her tears, she let out a tiny sob after she finished telling him how she had tried to save Tushar but at the end of the day, his life was lost.

Veer couldn't even comprehend what he would have done with himself if something had happened to Meera. The possibility of him living without her, the thought about her being dead was not something he could even stomach. It made him want to scream in agony and kill those bastards. What if it was Meera? What if she had died?

He was shaking with anger and fear that something like that could have happened. Meera could sense how tense Veer was. She held one of his hands that were in a tight fist and loosened his fingers. She entwined her fingers with his and glanced at him. He was still lost in his mind, his grip on her hand was limp.

Meera leaned closer and stared at his face. He was staring at the wall blankly. Sighing she leaned forward and kiss his cheek. She blew some air against his cheek and Veer finally snapped out of his trance. He closed his eyes and gripped her hand.

"I'm here Veer! Right next to you! Stop thinking about whatever it is that you're thinking about! Nothing happened to me! Look at me." She whispered slowly and tilted his face so that he would look at her.

Veer's eyes were glistening with tears. A stray tear fell from his left eye. Meera sucked in a breath as her eyes filled with tears. She had never seen Veer this vulnerable. Hell, in these past seven years she hadn't seen him cry or for that matter of fact, he was always stoic.

Veer closed his eyes for a second and cupped Meera's cheek. He reminded himself that nothing had happened to her. She was fine and safe right here with him in his arms. He leaned his forehead against hers and a few more tears fell from his eyes.

He couldn't remember the last time he had cried but even when they were separated he never thought about her dying. Today when after listening to what had happened he realized how close he was to losing Meera forever.  He was thankful to God that she got out but his heart grieved for Tushar.

He leaned his forehead against Meera's. They sighed as a warm blanket of peace surrounded them. Veer opened his eyes and stared at her beautiful face. Her eyes were still closed, her nose was red and her cheeks were flushed because of all the crying.

He placed a long kiss on her forehead. Meera sighed contently and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "Oh god! Meera please I'm begging you, please be safe and alert. I can't tell you what is going to happen but something big is going to take place. Please I can't even imagine what I would have done if something would have happened to you!"

Meera opened her eyes and looked at Veer who had a pained expression. They hadn't labeled their relationship yet. Meera knew her feelings for him but she wasn't going to acknowledge them just yet. She nodded her head slowly. Veer wrapped his left arm around her waist and traced her bottom lip with his calloused thumb.

Meera gulped as heat spread through her body. "If something happens to me it's not a big deal but nothing should ever happen to you!" Meera glared at him and moved her fingers and pinched him hard. Veer flinched. "Shut up Veer! Nothing will happen to you! Ever! Just shut up! Don't talk like that!"

Veer sighed as Meera cried and buried her face in his shoulder. She pulled him tightly. Veer rubbed her back in a soothing manner. "I'm sorry I was just saying!" Meera pulled away and shoved his chest with a scowl on her face. "Don't fucking say anything! Just shut up!" Veer was about to protest but before that Meera slammed her lips against his.

Veer staggered back slightly, he wasn't expecting this at all. Meera moaned and sucked his lips harder. Veer hummed pulling her close. He prodded his tongue against her lips and Meera gladly opened her mouth. She moaned as their tongues mingled.

Meera tugged his hair and moved her lips vigorously against Veers. She tasted a mix of mint and all Veer. She had missed him so much. Veer's chest rumbled and he could feel himself harden. A mere kiss from her was enough to send him into a frenzy.

Meera's shirt had hiked up. Veer traced his palms over her skin. Meera pulled away when she couldn't breathe. She panted against his lips and moaned when he tightened his hands on her waist. "Ohh, God!" Meera muttered when Veer sucked on her neck and placed kisses down her collar bone.

"I missed so much!" Veer mumbled against her skin. "Me too!" Meera panted trying to catch her breath. He smiled against her neck, placing one last kiss he admired how she was affected by him. Meera felt tingles and electricity pass through her body. She felt heat in between her legs. She pressed her legs together hoping it would give her some relief.

Veer took a huge breath, his hand was still on her bare waist. Meera blinked her eyes open. She rolled her eyes when she noticed his cocky expression. "You can shut me up any time like that! I like it just like you do when I do it!" Meera giggled and pecked his lips. "The pleasure is mine! I really missed this and us!"

Veer tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and gave her a small smile. "I know! Not to worry! Now that you have permitted me to enter your room whenever I want, don't be surprised if you find me here all the time!" Meera laughed, warmth spread through Veer's chest. He was happy that she had finally smiled.

For now, the topic of their work was buried but Veer was curious to see where she was shot. "Meera?" Veer whispered as Meera was busy staring at him and tracing his face. Meera hummed staring into his black eyes. They were really beautiful. "Can I see where you were shot?"

Meera's lips thinned, even her parents hadn't seen it. But, something about the way Veer asked and also how she felt after sharing everything with him made her feel at ease. She could trust him. She swallowed and nodded.

She untangled herself from his embrace and shifted so that her right side was facing him. Meera was wearing a tank top. She brushed her hair to one side and removed her jumper. Veer being quivering with anger as he spotted a red scar on her right arm. Her skin was slightly marred.

Veer scooted closer and lightly touched the scars with his fingertips. Meera flinched but didn't pull away. "Does it still hurt?" Meera shook her head. "No, just some occasional pains but I have been doing a lot of physical therapy so most of it has been dealt with."

Veer nodded his head. He couldn't stop himself from doing what he did next. He leaned forward a placed a long kiss on her scar. Meera sucked in a breath arching her back. Tingles ran down her body and her heart fluttered. He pecked it a couple of more times.

Meera let out a gush of breath and turned to face him. She quickly pulled on the jumper and tried to control the heat that crept down her face and neck. Veer smirked at her reaction. "Well, now think about that every time you think about your scar or every time you think about that incident!"

Meera shook her head and laughed loudly. "Was that your version of kissing boo-boo's and making it all better?" Veer rolled his eyes when she referred to her wound as a boo-boo. It was more than just that but she had guessed it right. He had done that to ease her pain and give her a new memory that was associated with the scar.

"Yeah kind of, now every time you think about it you are obliged to think about me as well! I saw the way you shuddered! Do I make you nervous Miss Meera?" Veer teased her, he didn't want her to think about this anymore. He wanted her to relax for the rest of her vacation time.

He will go out hunting for those bastards. He had a hunch that someone did it on purpose. It had to one of Adam's or Jeffrey's men. He has no idea how they can do this on such a secure base but he vouched to get to the bottom of this. No one touches his Meera, she was off-limits. If they do then they better be ready to face hell.

"Ha! You wish! You don't make me nervous!" Meera laughed and punched his shoulder. Veer snapped out his trance and gave her a small smile. "In fact, I think I make you nervous Captain Gupta!" Meera leaned close to his face and whispered the last part.

Veer smirked closing the distance between their faces. This time he slammed his lips against hers. It was going to be a heated make-out session but unfortunately, someone knocked on Meera's door. Meera pulled away as her eyes widened, her heart raced when her mom asked her to open the door.

"Meera? What are you doing? Did you have lunch? Can you open the door? Baby are you okay?" Veer cursed under his breath and whined buried his face in Meera's hair. Why does everyone always interrupt them when they were going to start a hot make-out session? He didn't like it at all.

"Ohh shit! Veer! Get out of here! Jump off the roof!" Meera jumped dragging him towards the balcony. "Jee thanks Meera!" He rolled his eye commenting sarcastically. Meera gave him a stern look and shoved the duffel bag in his chest.

"Mom! I was sleeping! I'll come down in a minute! You go I'll join you! I'm fine don't worry about me!" Meera shouted so that her mother could hear. Annie was reluctant but she sighed and shouted at her to come to the dining hall soon.

"Why wouldn't she be fine aunty? My kissed healed everything!" Veer almost shouted, Meera gasped and closed his mouth with her palm. Lucky for her Annie had already left. She punched his shoulder. "What is the matter with you? Go home Veer! I'll see you later!" Veer pouted but Meera shook her head.

She handed him the other bag and pointed towards the balcony. "Now! You need to go home! Now! I'll see you later! Go!" Veer laughed at her angry face which appeared cuter to him. He wanted to tease her further but Meera was right. It was time for him to go.

"Fine! Call me when you feel like making out? I'll be right here!" He winked at her and kissed her cheek quickly before she could react. Meera stood there with her mouth wide open. Did he actually say that? She snapped out and let out a frustrated scream. She wanted to slap him but she could hear Veer's laughter coming from below.

She peeped down the ledge to find that he was already climbing down the room. His bags were near her legs. Veer jumped and dusted his arms. He whistled and gestured her to throw the bags. "You are such an ass!" Meera screamed and threw the duffel bag at him.

Veer laughed loudly as he caught the bag. "Yeah but I'm your ass!" He replied, teasing her again. Meera screeched and threw the huge bag at him. Veer laughed but caught it without a hassle. "See you later my Rapunzel!" Veer screamed and slung the bags over his shoulders.

Meera couldn't help but laugh. She waved her hands at him and gestured at him to leave. He sighed walking away. Meera stood there and watched until he booked a cab. He put the luggage next to him and asked the driver to drive. He waved at Meera from the window and made a sign that he would call her later. Meera laughed and nodded.

Once he was gone she sighed and slumped into the chair that was there on her balcony. Her phone pinged, her face split into a huge grin when she read the text from Veer. "Catch you later beautiful! Make sure to keep the door of your balcony door open! I'll sneak in and we'll watch movies just like old times! Maybe do more than that too ;)"

Meera giggled and quickly typed a text. "Okay handsome 😘!" Meera giggled and sent a quick text. Veer texted back with a shocked gif. Meera shook her head and let out one last laugh before pocketing her phone. All this sneaking out was kind of exhausting but there was a thrill to it and it made her life exciting. It was never a boring day with Veer.

She stood up and descended the stairs with a slight skip in her steps. Meera was in a much better mood. Now that she had seen Veer it felt like the black cloud over her hand been lifted off. She jumped over the last few steps and landed on her feet.

Annie witnessed the entire scene with a surprised look on her face. In all these days she had never seen her daughter this happy. Meera stopped humming when she noticed her mom narrowing her eyes at her. Meera gave her a sweet smile and walked towards her.

"Hi, Momma! What's for lunch?" Annie's face finally split into a huge grin. She raised her brows. "Someone seems to be in a good mood!" Annie sang and Meera laughed. She shrugged her shoulders and walked towards her mother. She hugged her mother. Annie was finally relieved to see her daughter happy.

She hugged her daughter close to her. "It's so nice to see you this happy! Come on let's go eat in the living room. Your Dad has some movie that he wants us to watch together!" Meera nodded and followed her mother.

They filled their plates with food. Meera carried one plate for her father. Arjun was shocked to see his daughter smiling he grinned at her when she handed him the plate and sat next to him. Annie took a seat on her other side. Annie and Arjun shared a look and grinned widely. They hadn't seen her this happy in a while. It was nice to see her finally come out of her dark place.

It's not just the officer that has to be strong but also their families who have to be supportive. Annie and Arjun were more than just supportive. For the next few hours, they ate, laughed, and watched the movie.

The only person missing was Andy. He was in college. Meera couldn't wait for him to return. She wanted to hug him as well. He too had been really supportive during the past month. He would spend hours in her room cracking jokes and trying to cheer up Meera while watching some movies.

Meera was thankful to have such an amazing and supportive family. Not once did they tell her it was a dangerous job and asked her to quit. Instead, they encouraged her to fly higher.

Unfortunately what none of them in the living room noticed that someone was watching them and taking pictures of them from the nearby window. He smirked at the family and quickly sent someone a text stating "Found her!"

***

Veer grimaced for the hundredth time and Viraj snickered under his breath when he saw his wife stuffing some more food into his son's mouth. Veer swallowed the bite and held his hand asking his Mom to give him a minute. Naina rolled her eyes but waited for Veer to be done so that she could feed him more.

Once Veer was done he moved his face to the other side. "Mom! Enough! I'm done! You've literally been feeding me so much! I can't eat anymore!" Naina scoffed glaring at her son. "I don't want to listen to any of your excuses! You have become so skinny! Are you even eating on time?"

This time Veer rolled his eyes. Such a typical Indian mom dialogue. He so badly wanted to comment, but his mom would not appreciate that. He didn't want to dig a deeper hole than the one he was already in. She was already mad at him for not informing her that he was coming home today.

"Mom, seriously I love you but I'm done! I'm literally about burst here! Dad you have got to back me up here!" He glanced at Viraj pleading him with his eyes mouthing a, please. "Naina that's enough! I'm sure he'll eat the rest later! Don't worry about it!" Naina was about to protest but then she realized her husband was right.

She sighed and washed her hands."I still don't understand why you didn't inform us! We all could have come to receive you!" Veer sighed and began explaining once again. " Mom, I wanted to give you guys a surprise! That's all! It's not a big deal!" Naina hummed but nodded. "Fine! I'm really surprised! I'm so happy that you're home! Now go rest! Ohh also if you're up for it there's a new collection in the library, go check it out!"

Veer smiled at his mom and hugged her. He kissed her forehead and she kissed his cheek. "Thanks, I'll definitely check it! By the way, your new book is amazing! I don't know what to say! It was really awesome!" Viraj nodded agreeing with his son. "I keep telling her that but she refuses to believe!"

Naina laughed at them, she was happy to know that they liked it. "Thank you, Veer!" Veer gave her a grin and hugged his mother one more time. He hugged his Dad and walked towards his room. Heaving a huge sigh he fell on the bed, the very next minute his eyes closed and he fell into deep slumber dreaming about a certain brown eyed girl.

A few hours later Tanya barged into his room and shook his shoulders. "Bhai get up! You're home! I'm so happy!" She climbed on the bed and shouted as she settled herself next to him. Veer groaned and turned the other side. He just wanted to sleep until it was time to meet his Rapunzel.

"Tanny please go away! I want to sleep!" He mumbled and covered his head with the duvet. Tanya glared at her older brother. She noticed a glass of water near the nightstand, a brilliant idea struck her mind.

Smirking she tiptoed towards the nightstand and slowly held the glass of water. Giggling softly she snatched the duvet away from Veer's face and dumped the water on his face. Veer sat up and growled loudly. "TANYA!!!" He shouted as Tanya ran away with a giggle.

Veer pushed the duvet from his legs, he shook his head trying to get the water out of his hair. He leaped out of the bed. Tanya was still near the door. She ran away with a giggle and Veer chased her. They jumped over the stairs and then Tanya ran hiding behind Viraj who just laughed at his kids. "What did she do this time?"

Veer was moving from one side to another trying to catch her but she kept dodging him. "She poured water on me!!! I was sleeping!" Veer shouted which almost sounded like he was whining. Naina walked down the stairs and looked at her children with a glint in her eyes.

"Why did you do that Tanny?" Tanya jumped to the other side as Naina asked her but Veer finally caught hold of her. He tickled her until she was a laughing mess. "Okay, I'm sorry! Sorry! Let me go! Time out!" Veer stopped for a minute and Tanya finally stopped laughing trying to catch her breath.

She punched his arm and sat on the couch with a pout on her face. Veer laughed at his baby sister and took a seat next to her. "I wanted to watch a movie with you!" She mumbled, Veer laughed and ruffled her hair. "All you had to do was give me some time! There was no need for you to pour water!"

Tanya scoffed and flipped through the channels. She giggled softly, "It was still fun!" Veer chuckled and pulled her cheeks. Tanya giggled pushing his hands away. "I missed you Bhai!" Veer gave her a soft smile and hugged her. "I missed you too my baby sister! Let's watch a movie!" Veer successfully distracted her before she would get sappier.

Viraj and Naina joined them. Together they watched movies until it was time for dinner. For once it was nice to have a normal routine. These are moments that counted the most for Veer. He was grateful to have such a loving family although at times he feels that he doesn't deserve them.

***

A few hours later after dinner and after everyone was fast asleep Veer pulled on his hoodie and sneaked out of the house. He quickly texted Meera that he would be there in a few minutes and reminded her to keep the balcony door open.

Meera on the other hand squealed with delight when she read the text. She quickly locked her room. She sprayed some perfume and even brushed her teeth because she had a feeling that they were going to be a lot of kissing.

Meera flushed when she thought about kissing Veer. They had shared a fair amount of kisses but every time he kissed her it always felt like the first time. Once she was done, she combed her hair and put on a grey cardigan over her tank top.

Today had been the best day. She paced around the room and made sure everything was in order. She whipped her head when the balcony door unlocked and Veer entered the room. She ran towards him and jumped wrapping her legs around his waist.

Veer staggered back but found his balance at the last minute. He laughed as Meera kissed his cheeks enthusiastically and even pecked his lips a couple of times. "Well, that was a very nice greeting!" Veer mumbled against her lips. Meera hummed and giggled.

"Are you high? Cause I never expected you to do that!" Meera laughed placing a big kiss on his cheek. "Maybe I was just excited to see you! Is that so wrong?" Veer shook his head with laughter. "As long as it's only me that you are excited to see, I'm okay!" He joked, Meera rolled her eyes and unwrapped her legs from his waist as he placed her on the ground.

"No, I have another secret boyfriend!" She mentally cursed herself the moment she said that. Veer stood there and blinked his eyes dumbly. They had never labeled their relationship. She shouldn't have used the word boyfriend. He was her boyfriend in her mind but she didn't know what he thought.

She closed her eyes for a moment and muttered a string of curses under her breath. Her heart was speeding up. "Wait does that mean I'm your boyfriend?" Veer asked and Meera's mouth open and closed several times. She didn't know what to say. She rolled her eyes when she noticed a smirk forming on Veer's face.

He was such an ass. Why can't he even ask her to be his girlfriend? Meera sighed and shrugged her shoulder. "I don't know Veer you tell me! Why am I supposed to be the one to say everything?" Veer was controlled his face from splitting into a grin. He was actually going to broach this topic today and what a coincidence that they were having this conversation right this very second.

Meera fiddled with her hands and waited for him to say something. She was happy with how things were but it wouldn't hurt to know where they stood. She threw her hands in the air when Veer's face turned blank. Muttering a "Never mind!" she turned, walking away towards her bed.

It took them seven years and a string of not-so-great events to get here. She didn't want to jinx it. Veer closed the distance between them and pulled her into his chest. Meera gasped and gripped his shoulders trying to steady herself. "What are you doing?" She whispered. Veer tightened one arm around her waist and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear with his other hand.

"Nothing just admiring my girlfriend!" Meera blinked her eyes trying to process what he had just said. A few seconds later she smiled widely and locked her arms around his neck. "Really, you're girlfriend huh? Who is she?" Veer laughed and swayed a bit.

"I'm looking at her right now and I'm hoping she'll take me as her boyfriend!" Meera giggled and kissed his cheek. She felt elated, this had to be the best thing that had happened today. It wasn't a typical proposal and that's what made it even more special.

"Well, as long as he promises to never look at another woman. Then she's willing to negotiate!" Meera joked and Veer shook his head. "I think she has ruined me for anyone else! So, yes she has my word!" Veer whispered huskily and Meera's heart raced. She felt her stomach flutter.

His eyes were sincere and she knew he wasn't lying. "I would love to be your girlfriend!" She muttered close to his lips and Veer grinned widely. Without wasting another second he kissed her. Meera sighed and gripped his hair. She stood on her toes to get a better grip and moved her lips against his.

Veer moaned pulling her closer. Their bodies joined as if they were two puzzle pieces that fused perfectly together. Meera felt every muscle on his body. She pushed her tongue into his mouth and he parted his lips. She moaned as their tongues met. They moved their lips with at most synchronization. There was passion, fire, and electricity.

This was the most passionate kiss they had ever shared. Veer pulled away and kissed her forehead. Meera gripped his shirt panting trying to catch her breath. "Thay had to be the best kiss ever!" Veer muttered and Meera giggled nodding. "I think we should go watch a movie maybe?" Meera asked contently cocooned in Veer's arms.

"Whatever you say, girlfriend!" Veer teased, Meera pushed him away and rolled her eyes. She jumped on her bed and got under the covers. Veer followed her with a laugh and climbed the bed settling himself next to her. Meera scooted closer until their arms were brushing.

She switched on the television and flipped through some movies. "So, what do you want to watch?" Veer smirked and snatched the remote. He played the cars movie and laughed when Meera groaned. "Seriously? I thought we could watch a romantic movie?"

Veer shook his head and wrapped his arm around her shoulder pulling her closer. "Oh come on this is the best! Besides, it'll be memorable. We watched cars on the day we made things official! That's cool right?" Meera laughed and decided to humor him.

"Fine! I expect you to watch Tangled if we're watching this!" Veer laughed, he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. "Sure! Anything you want! Now Shush! The movie is starting!" He focused his eyes on the television and asked her to do the same.

Meera stared at him and giggled softly. Something's like Veer and his love for the movie cars never changed. She remembered how Veer roped her into watching this movie a thousand times when they were kids.

She sighed contently and leaned her head against his shoulder. He smiled kissing her hair and tightened his arms around her. Everything was perfect now, but for some reason, Meera had an uneasy feeling that something was about change soon. For now, she brushed away that feeling and focused on the movie, praying that she was wrong.

************************************
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I have exhausted all my emotions writing this 😂.

Did you like the proposal? I mean I don't know I thought it was the right time! When you're in the military it's either fast or too late! I guess 🤔 What do you guys think?

Who's watching Meera?

Hope you liked this chapter! If you did please do vote and comment! I would love to know what you guys think!