|VEER|

|Before the proposal|

The hospital had finally discharged me a few weeks back but I did have to take physical therapy for my arm so I had come back here again. Apparently, I was lucky that they didn't have to operate it on it else it would have messed with a few things. How lucky am I that I get lucky but at the same time hit the rock bottom?

I hated how crippled and useless I felt right now. I hated how I wanted Meera by my side more than anything but also I couldn't have here her and hurt her in the process. I had seen her a few weeks back when I had to attend a meeting with Officer Khan. The urge to hug and kiss her was unbearable but my inner turmoil was larger than that. Every second that I spent at home and every second that the doctor said that I was doing well the closer I had to face the reality that I will not be going back to the borders.

I cursed under my breath and banged my hand against the window. I was currently sitting near the window and staring outside as a few drops of rain cascaded down the glass pane. I was really done! No matter what I say or do I will be medically discharged because my heart can't take the pressure anymore.

I sighed as a tear rolled down my eyes. I wiped it angrily and slammed my book shut. I had been trying to read for a while but what's the use I can't even escape from reality for even a second. "There you are!" I grunted as I heard my Dad enter the room and sit down beside me.

"Veer, it's been a while and all you do is sit here in your room. Your mother and I are worried about your son! We left you alone hoping that you would come on your own to talk to us! But, that didn't happen and your Mom's anxiety is kind of rubbing off on me. Talk to me please!" He whispered and I closed my eyes.

He had never spoken to me so softly for quite some time now. I shrugged my shoulder and continued to stare At the window. I heard my Dad sigh and shift until he was in front of me. "Veer, I know what happened was not fair at all. I know that you deserved better. Maybe I should have protected you better. Then that Mihir would have never been able to get to you. It wasn't exactly a walk in the park to watch you go through all of that at such a young age."

I was about to argue back and tell him that none of this is his fault but he held his hand up indicating that he wasn't finished talking. I nodded silently and waited for him to continue. "But, at the same time, I had faith in the way your mom and I have raised you. Veer I know how passionate you were about your job and I'm really sorry that you can't go. You have done an amazing job. You protected so many people, you put your life at risk countless times so that they could be safe and that's not something everyone can do but you, my dear son did it! Mihir is gone Veer and I know that what he did to you was the cruelest thing ever but it is what it is Veer. You need to let go of the anger that you have on him. If you keep thinking about that you will ruin your life and won't that be a win for him?"

I sighed and nodded, he was so right. Every word that he said was true. I waited for him to continue."You can't change the past and there is no point in going over that incident again and again. It will do nothing but tear you apart and eat your soul piece by piece. You're still young baccha, and you can't give up now. Who says that's the only to serve our country? Who says that to show that you love your country you have to be a soldier and go to the borders?"

I knew what he was trying to convey. The realization of his words hit me. We sat silently for a few minutes. "Papa!" I whispered and glanced at him. He sucked in a breath and his eyes glistened with tears. I hadn't called him that for a very long time now. I sort of felt like I never deserved him considering how much I put him through. I always knew that he blamed himself for things but we never spoke about it. We just buried it in the past and moved on. Now I know that he blames himself and it was time to tell him that none of this was his fault.

"Papa, it's not your fault! You protected me, nurtured me, and held on to me even when I was going to give up. I know I should have said this a long time ago but I got lost. I believed whatever poison Mihir filled my head with. I truly believed that I wasn't worthy of anything that I had. But, every time I saw how you and Mom never gave up on me a hope flickered. I pulled myself together and did what I had to do. You were always my inspiration Papa! I know that you're right. I will look for other options. It's just that I need to let go of all the anger that I have on Mihir and I will. You are right, if I don't let this go and give up like this then he was successful in what he did. I will not let him win.

Dad smiled at me proudly and patted my back. "I know you won't ever. The Veer that I raised wasn't born to do that! Just remember that your mother and I love you a lot." A few tears fell from my eyes and I held his hand tightly. A few minutes later he hugged me and I sighed. This reminded me of all the times he held me after I had a bad dream and how protected I felt, that's how I feel now. A few seconds later I could smell a familiar scent surround me.

I laughed when I realized it was Mom. "Seriously, Viraj! You said that you would call me and here you are hugging him all by yourself! Move away!" She pushed him and my Dad laughed moving back. "I was going to call you sweetheart!"

My Mom sat down, held my arm, and made a face. She swatted his arm and scoffed. "Don't sweetheart me! Anyway, are you okay now Veer?" My Mom glanced at me with a nervous smile. I kissed her cheek and nodded. "I'm fine Mumma!" Immediately a few tears fell from her eyes because I hadn't called her that in years.

She sniffled and Dad wiped her tears. "Okay, baby!" She kissed my forehead, I laughed as Mom and Dad bantered. I had missed this so much for the past few years. Tanny joined a few minutes later and sat down next to Dad. We spoke about everything and nothing. I had never felt this content but a piece of my heart was still missing and that was Meera.

After chatting until it was dinner Mom said that she would cook something and Tanya followed her out. I stood up and offered Dad my hand. He gave me a stink eye as I smirked at him. He hates to admit that he's old now. I winked at him and he growled as if warning me to keep my mouth shut. Sure he was old but he was still a force to be reckoned with.

"Oh and Veer another thing. I know it none of my business but Meera is the one. Fix things with her before Arjun decides to kidnap and torture you. I can't help you for long son. There's no one better for you than her. She's the one!" He patted my back and I nodded. "I'm serious Veer there's no one more perfect for you!"

"Yeah, I will Dad! I just want to sort out some things first!" He clicked his tongue and asked me to do it fast. After dinner, sleep was far away from me. I kept tossing and turning. I felt that something was missing. My eyes snapped open and suddenly I remembered something. I rummaged through my drawers and finally found what I was looking for. Sister Brenda's letter. She had asked me to open it when it was the right time and for some reason, my gut was telling me that this was the right time.

Taking a deep breath I closed my eyes for a second. With shaky fingers, I opened the cover and pulled out the sheet. I carefully placed the envelope on the bed and took a deep breath. The sheet was folded. I could see the ink blotches and feel the ridges of her writing under my fingertips.

I slowly unfolded the paper. Tears welled in my eyes as I began reading it. I could hear her soothing voice and picture her calm face when I read the sentences. It was almost like she was right here next to me.

Dear Veer,
If you're reading this letter now then it means that I handed it over to you exactly before I took my last breath. It was time for me to leave my child as my job here was done. Oh, before we get to what I wanted to convey, tell your father not to beat himself up. He did his best but no one can fight death when it's time. I'm proud to have raised such a fine young man.

I sniffled and nodded as if she could see me.

Now, coming to the point. Veer your father did tell me about how Mihir your birth father kidnapped you. I want you to remember that whatever it is that he told you isn't the truth my child. He is cursed Veer. Don't listen to anything he has to say.

I also know for a fact that you were away from Meera for all these years because of all the poisonous things he filled your mind with. Don't let his words get to you Veer! You are nothing like him. You are exactly like your father Viraj. Passionate, kind, and real. Don't make the mistake of pushing Meera away again. You both are meant to be together.

Meera and you fit like the perfect puzzle pieces. Don't lose her Veer and don't push her away. She's an amazing woman and the two of you together are meant to be. Don't fight destiny. Things might change and you both might face obstacles but don't give her up for anything Veer.

Talk to her and you will know that she's the only woman who will ever understand you. Even when the two of you were little I knew that you two were soulmates. The pure love that the two of you shared was beyond anything. Don't let some mere words of a person who doesn't even matter affect you. Just because he said that his blood runs within you doesn't mean that you will turn out to be like him. It takes more than blood relation to shape a person Veer. Remember that he didn't raise you. Naina and Viraj did and you are anything but the cruel vile creature that he is.

Don't ask me how, but when I was writing this letter, I felt that you would have pushed Meera away again and are lost about your feelings.

Take care, my son! I know I don't need to say this but just check up on my orphanage once in a while. Take care of your parents and sister as well and I have a feeling that we're going to hear wedding bells soon!

With love
Sister Brenda

As I finished reading the letter my cheeks were now drenched with tears. "Shit!" I muttered and wiped my face. All of a sudden all the doubts I had about being with Meera vanished. I held the letter to my heart closed my eyes. "Thank you!" I whispered contently knowing that she could hear me.

I finally closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep. That was the best sleep that I had in a very long time. The next morning I quickly showered and dressed up. I had to go to TIIS headquarters as Officer Khan had called me a few days back. I had tried to dodge his calls but a few days back I was sent a very angry email that ordered me to meet him today.

After eating breakfast I drove straight to the headquarters. I stood in front of Officer Khan's cabin and knocked. "Come in!" I heard a gruff voice. I opened the door and walked in. My brows raised as I saw a heap of papers on the table. He looked up smiling at me. Which was rare.

"Ahh, Veer take a seat!" I nodded and took a seat in front of him. He piled a few papers and pushed them into a corner. He folded his hands in front of him and placed them on the table. His face had a few battle scars that he wore proudly.

"How are you son?" He asked with a soft voice. He had never sounded this soft in all the years that I have worked with him. "I'm good Sir!" I smiled while answering.

"Veer I know what happened and it's not fair to you at all. You were one of my best officers." I took a deep breath as my back stiffened. I nodded with a tight smile on my face. "Thank you, Sir!" He smiled and pulled out a paper from his drawer.

"That doesn't mean I'm going to let you go! You can't do fieldwork but I have seen your profile and looks like you're really good with computers. Always top of your class. I saw it on your profiles! I need you to think about joining the analyst's team. Of course, there are some exams that you need to clear but I'm sure you'll be able to do that."

He passed me a form that I needed to fill to give the examination. I never thought about that. I felt immensely happy but that was quite a few years back. "Uhh, thank you, Sir!" I said hesitantly. "You seem reluctant? Anything on your mind?"

I cleared my throat and smoothed the crease at the end of the sheet with my thumb. I shook my head. This was going to be a huge transition. The field was always exhilarating. "You don't have to worry about a thing. You have six months to write the exam. Then once you clear that there's around for a personal interview. Then after that a few months of training and you're in. You will be working with the core intel team. Finding information, keeping tabs on people, and also leading teams. I recommend you especially for this. So, don't let me down. You can turn it down but I know you won't. Right Veer?"

"Right Sir!" I said loudly. Officer Khan nodded satisfied with my response. I could do this. I will still be serving my country and catching bastards. I finally figured out what I had to do. The letter had finally lead me here. Sister Brenda was still looking out for me. I was a bit reluctant but Officer Khan wouldn't have suggested otherwise. I stood up shook his hand and walked out of the office with the form in my hands.

It's still an undercover job so I won't be telling it to anyone. For now. I bet Dad already knows. I drove around for a while aimlessly without any destination in my mind. I halted and when I looked around I realized I was in front of Meera's house. So, much for driving randomly.

I sighed and glanced at the house. I wanted to share this news with her first more than anyone else. I think it's time that I speak to her and apologize for being such a stupid ass. Taking a deep breath I got down of the car and walked towards the front door. I rang the bell and waited for someone to answer the door.

My hands were sweating. I was scared. What if she says no? What if she thinks that all of this drama isn't worth it in the end? What if she decides to finally move on but not with me? I'm going crazy with all these thoughts. Deep down I knew that it was impossible but still these fears were eating me up.

I sucked in a breath when Arjun Uncle opened the door and boy did he not look happy. He didn't even invite me inside. All he did was cross his arms against his chest and I swallowed nervously. This was going to happen sooner or later, better to finish it now.

"Hello, Uncle! Is Meera here?" I almost stuttered but I managed to form my words. "Well, that depends on what you want?" He huffed with a deadly expression. Oh, Fuck! Dad was right! He's really mad at me. Well, nothing wrong with that because I would be mad too if someone did that with my daughter.

"I umm just need to talk to her for a while. Not too long I promise!" I almost begged him but I maintained my blank face too. "You and I are overdue for a long conversation Veer! Let's take this outside! Meera is inside baking with her mother and I don't want to interrupt them now!" That explains the delicious smell coming from inside. I wanted a cookie but that has to wait. He locked the door behind him and texted away on his phone before gesturing at me to follow him.

God save me! I followed him to the garden. He began planting something in the garden and looked at me as if asking me to do it as well. I sighed and squatted down beside him. He asked me to plant a rose plant. I dug out the soil and planted it. My hands were now covered with mud and manure. Arjun's Uncle just sat there and observed me. This really felt like some sort of a test.

Once I was done I waited for him to say something as I washed my hands removing all the soil from my hands. I stood as he followed my queue but no before plucking out a rose and handing it to me. I frowned at him. "Take it and take it by its stem! Let the thorns pierce you!" He almost growled. I sighed and took it by its stem. It stung but nothing I couldn't handle.

"Did it hurt? I bet it did but not as much as you hurt my daughter over the years and are still hurting her now! You're just like this rose for her Veer! You look all nice and make promises but when she decides to hold on tightly to you, that's when you spout out thorns and stab her." Ouch! The comparison hurt! He complimented me and insulted me at the same time. I deserved it so I just bowed my head.

I was about to apologize and reason with him but he held his hand almost yelling at me that he wasn't done yet. "I tried to stay out of it all these years but not anymore. One more time Veer! I swear if you do that one more time no one will be able to save you from me!" I sighed and nodded. His eyes were now blazing with anger.

"I'm really sorry! I didn't mean to hurt her. I just had a lot of things going on and while handling that I kind of made life miserable for her too." He grunted and began watering a few plants. This was actually the best opportunity to ask him. I hadn't come here with that intention but the more I thought about it the more I liked the idea. I was hit with an epiphany. I want to marry Meera! Yes, I really do. I'm pretty sure he's going to break my face but I don't care I really want to make this permanent and forever. No more promises in the air! This time I'm going to seal the deal.

But, the real question was will he agree to give away his baby girl to the one person who hurt her the most? I took a deep breath and cleared my throat. "Actually Uncle I wanted to ask you something!" He frowned but nodded. "I umm want to marry Meera and I want your blessing!" I blurted out and waited for him to respond. I could his body stiffen. He stopped watering and whipped his head towards me.

"No more pushing her away or hurting her right?" He gritted and I nodded. After glaring at me for a few more minutes he sighed and his shoulders relaxed. "Veer I would never say no because you're the only one who's perfect for my daughter! That doesn't mean I won't hesitate to beat you up until you're a pulp if you ever hurt her. I know that you will take care of her but the slightest indication that she's hurt I will end you. Understood?" He asked and I swallowed but nodded. I would do the same thing for my daughter.

"Thank you! I will never hurt her! I promise!" He sighed but nodded. "Well, I guess I should leave now! I have to make a few arrangements. Thank you again and I'm sorry I never meant to do that!" He nodded but wasn't still satisfied.

I turned my back and is walking towards the gate when he called me. I turned back to find him right in front of me. There was a crunching noise and I groaned in pain as he punched me. "What was that for? I apologized!" I exclaimed groaning in pain. My nose began bleeding. My vision blurred slightly. I could make out that he had a satisfied smile on his face.

He laughed and passed me a cloth. I held it against my nose. I don't think it's broken but it did hurt like hell. "Sorry, son! I had to do it! I couldn't just let you go! Now you know the consequences!" I rolled my eyes. This situation would never come again ever. I'm never leaving her.

"Now off you go! I'm sure you have some plans to make and things to do!" He slapped my back and walked away whistling. I groaned and walked towards my car. I shut the door and glanced at the house. This time I found Meera leaning against the ledge of her balcony and staring outside with a sad but hopeful look on her face. She looked beautiful almost like an angel. Her long hair fluttered around her face.

Not for long Meera! You don't have to wait for long. I vouched and drove towards the graveyard. There was one more person from who I wanted to see. I squatted in front of my birth mother's tombstone and placed a few flowers on them. I rubbed my palm against the cold stone and sighed.

"He's gone forever! I do not doubt that he's probably in hell right now! Meera killed him! She's amazing and I wanted you to know that I'm going to marry her! I have told you about her right? What do you think?" I could feel a gush of air hit me and I laughed.

"Thank you! She's so brave! She's the one who killed him!" Again air fluttered around my face and I just knew that she was telling me not to ever let her go. "I promise I'm never letting her go!" I sat there for a few more minutes and told her about everything that happened. Once I was done, I stood up and promised her that I'll bring Meera the next time I come here.

I kissed my fingers and placed them on the tombstone. "I wish I could have met you!" I whispered and walked away as tears rolled down. The anger I had on Mihir had just ebbed away. It seemed pointless because I was winning. I pulled myself together in the car and drove home. Once I was home I told mom and dad that I was going to ask Meera to marry me. They were ecstatic. I told Dad about how Arjun Uncle had hit me. He just laughed and patted my shoulder. Dad said that he would have done the same thing with the guy who would have treated Tanya that way. I grunted but nodded because it was true.

For the next few weeks, I was busy planning a perfect proposal. I wanted to go and see her before that but Karan and Sheena insisted that I wait so I did that which was nothing less than torture. I did get jitters but at the end of the day, everything was worth it for Meera.

Amongst all of this, I had an idea that had been looming in my head for a very long time now. I wanted to open a sports slash gym center for all the disabled officers. Where they could train to enter into professional sports. Officers who served our nation with at most passion but couldn't do it anymore. The more I thought about it the more I liked it. I spoke to Dad about it and he was more than happy to help me. Things were finally falling in place. Mihir thought he had snatched my happiness away but that didn't happen at all.

|Back to present|

I stood there and recalled everything that had happened a month and a half back. My heart hummed with happiness as I glanced at Meera who now had a huge grin on her face and her eyes were twinkling with mirth. She was practically glowing and to think that I'm the reason behind her happiness meant the world to me.

I chuckled when Tanya and Ira jumped at her hugging and squishing her in between. "We did it! Tanny, we did it!" Ira exclaimed loudly. They did try to set us up and it worked so they deserve some credit as well. Sheena too joined. Karan and surprisingly Kabir who was here grinned at me widely. Kabir and Ira were getting closer. Andy frowned the entire time. He glared at me for a minute while I maintained my blank face. He walked towards me and warned me not to hurt his sister ever again.

I gave him the same warning seeing as he and Tanya had become much closer than I liked. "W-well then okay! I'll go now!" He stuttered and walked away. I laughed and shook my head. But, I will kick his ass if he ever hurts my sister. Even if he's Meera's brother.

I literally had to drag Meera away from them and they threw curses at me. I didn't care I wanted to spend some time with her. "Veer bring her back on time!" Arjun Uncle ordered and I nodded. Annie Aunty rolled her eyes and slapped his shoulder. "He's kidding Veer take your time! Just be safe!" I nodded and laughed when he made a face while glaring at his wife.

"Where are we going?" Meera giggled and asked. "You'll see!" I pulled her into the elevator and pressed the ground floor. I smiled contently when I saw her admiring the ring. "Do you like it?" I asked and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.

"I love it! It's the most beautiful ring ever." She said with an awed voice and kissed my lips. I smiled against her lips and held her tightly. "Okay, save some for later!" I said and pulled away. Meera giggled and slapped my chest. The lift opened and I dragged her towards my car. I drove us to the building where I would be opening a sports center for the disabled officers.

I leaned against the car and held her in my arms as I explained everything to her, she had tears in her eyes. "Veer that's amazing! I'm so proud of you! This is so cool!" She laughed and kissed me. I chuckled holding her tightly. This was all that mattered and matters.

"There's also another thing!" Since she was part of TIIS I could tell her about the job offer. I wouldn't be breaking any rules or anything. "What is it?" She asked and wrapped her arms around my waist. "TIIS wants me back  as an analyst and part of the core intel team!" Meera's eyes widened and she squealed!

"That's amazing Veer! You will do great! I'm so happy for you!" I laughed and brushed my fingers against her smooth cheek. "Are you happy Meera?" I whispered against her lips.

"Of course Veer, I'm really happy! I love you! I know things weren't that easy for us but the next time you try to distance yourself let's just say that I'll kick you where the sun doesn't shine! Am I clear?" She warned me in her cute way. I knew she was serious but I couldn't help but laugh.

"Yes ma'am! Crystal clear! I Love you too!" I whispered and kissed her. Our tongues tangled and I could taste the ice cream, I squeezed her waist. I pulled away and kissed her forehead. She hugged me tightly. "This reminds me of how your Dad warned me a few weeks back when I asked him that I wanted to marry you!"

She laughed as I narrated the entire incident to her. "Aww is your nose okay now?" She brushed her fingers against my nose and laughed. I grunted pushing her hand away.

"Stop that!" Meera laughed and pecked my lips. I even asked her mother who was more than happy for Meera but of course, she warned me with her sweet tone that suggested that she would poison my food. Meera laughed even harder when I told her this. "Andy didn't say anything?" She asked with a laugh.

"He did but I gave him a counter warning seeing as he's dating my sister!" Meera chuckled and shook her head.

We made some plans as to how the interior should look and what the name of the center should be. "I think we should name it Prerna! As it means inspiration! You're going to inspire so many of them!" Meera suggested. She didn't have to say more I already loved the name.

"That's such a fitting name! Done! Prerna sports center! Sounds amazing!" I exclaimed and Meera hugged me. I removed my blazer coat and draped it over her as the air got chilly. We made more plans as she leaned against me staring at the building.

"When do you want to get married Meera?" I asked her and she stopped talking about some paint color. "Veer you do know that I'm getting deployed soon right?" I took a deep breath as my heart felt heavy all of a sudden but I nodded.

"Meera, it's really up to you! If you want to wait then we'll get married after your deployment! If you want to do it right this very second I'm okay with that too! I don't mind anything as long as I have you by my side!" I whispered and kissed her forehead. I'm leaving that to her.

I caressed her hair and waited for her to answer. She was now nibbling her lips. "Veer?" She called me after a few minutes, I hummed and looked into her beautiful brown eyes. "Can we get married in a week?" My heart fluttered and I nodded vigorously.

"Are you sure?" She nodded and giggled when I carried her spinning her around in my arms. "Yes! More than sure my love!" I said. I was elated. I was finally going to marry my childhood best friend, my soulmate, and the love of my life. I have everything I ever wanted right here. The world can throw anything at me but I know I can face it if Meera is by my side! I was finally living the dream!

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A/N: First of all I am really sorry for the late update! Things have been kind of crazy for the past few days! I missed writing!

This has to be the longest chapter that I have ever written! 5400 words people! It took me a very long time. I hope you guys enjoyed it! There are still a few loose ends to tie up! Just wait and find out!

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