The feeling after passing out from IMA Dehradun was a whirlwind of emotions-pride, relief, and anticipation, but also a subtle undercurrent of responsibility and uncertainty.
Standing there, the medal pinned to my chest, the crisp uniform fitting like a second skin, I felt a surge of pride that's hard to put into words.
This was the moment I had been working toward for years, the culmination of sweat, sacrifice, and endless discipline. Yet, amidst the applause and the sea of familiar faces, there was something deeper-an awareness that the journey had only just begun.
The academy had shaped me, honoured me into an officer, but now, beyond the gates of IMA, lay the real test.
A part of me was eager to prove myself, to live up to the expectations of my uniform, my nation, my family. But there was also a weight, a heavy responsibility I had never truly felt before.
My choices would matter now, not just to me, but to the soldiers I'd lead, the people I'd protect. And in that responsibility, I found both purpose and a quiet fear.
Life after IMA would be different-harder, but full of meaning. As the sun set over the mountains of Dehradun, I knew one thing for sure: I was ready for whatever came next.
After passing out from IMA, I was granted a three-week leave before reporting to my regiment-a short but precious window to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with the world I had left behind during training.
My parents were overjoyed, treating me like a hero returning from a long battle. My mother couldn't stop smiling, and every meal felt like a celebration of my homecoming.
But amidst the laughter, I noticed the change in their eyes-pride, yes, but also a hint of worry. They knew what lay ahead; they understood the weight of the responsibility that would soon be mine.
Papa would sit quietly after dinner, offering wisdom in his own way, reminding me that the world outside the academy wasn't just about duty but about leadership, empathy, and sacrifice.
During this break, a part of me wished I could be with my Sunflower, just to steal a few quiet moments together after everything. She had already come all the way to attend my passing out parade, her presence a source of comfort amidst all the chaos of that day.
But now, as much as I longed to see her, I couldn't bring myself to distract her. She had her own battles-her exams-and I knew how important they were for her.
I'd scroll through her messages, sometimes starting to type, then stopping, thinking better of it. I knew we would meet soon enough, and for now, her focus needed to be where it was.
Still, there was that ache of missing her, a quiet longing that surfaced whenever I found a free moment during this short break. The uniform had brought new responsibilities, but some things-like how much I cared for her-remained unchanged.
And then it hit me-her birthday was just 15 days away. Normally, she'd be counting down the days, making plans, always excited about her special day. But this time was different. She was so buried in her studies that she barely even mentioned it.
And wait!
Fuck!
I didn't realize that her birthday was perfectly timed-it fell on the day her exams would finally end. I couldn't help but smile at the thought.
She'd be free from the stress of studying, ready to relax and celebrate, though she probably hadn't even realized it.
Now, I had the chance to make sure her day was special, something to look forward to once the weight of the exams lifted. I would start planning quietly, something she wouldn't expect, but something that would remind her of the joy she always found on her birthday.
After all, she had always been there for me, and now it was my turn to do something for her, to make her day more special.
I could surprise her not just with a gift, but with my presence. There's nothing better than seeing her smile up close, hearing her laugh, and sharing that special day together after all this time apart.
It would be the perfect way to mark the end of her exams and the start of a new chapter for both of us.
15 days later
Tomorrow will be my last exam, and right now, I am buried in books. I'd been studying non-stop, and despite everything going on-the ball party, the passing out parade, and the constant busyness-I'd managed to keep up with it all.
My exams have actually gone better than I'd expected. I feel a mix of relief and anticipation. I'm so close to finishing this chapter, and it's almost hard to believe that everything is coming together.
After tomorrow, all the stress and juggling will be over. I've pulled it off, and I know that I can finally breathe easy and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.
It was already 2 a.m., and I was still cramming for my subject. My eyes felt heavy, and my mind was racing through notes, trying to absorb every last bit of information.
The hours of studying had blurred together, and the exhaustion was starting to set in. But I kept pushing through, knowing that this was the final stretch before it all came to an end.
Morning 7 am
I finally managed to fall asleep around 3 a.m., only to wake up at 6. My exam was set to start at 7:30. I pushed myself out of bed, quickly reviewed my notes one last time, trying to shake off the restlessness and focus on the task ahead.
It was a race against time now, but I reminded myself that this was the final hurdle. Once the exam was over, I could finally take a breath.
I rushed to the college campus, the sun was just starting to rise, casting a faint light over the campus. I navigated through the early-morning quiet, the only sounds being my hurried footsteps and the distant murmur of other students making their way to the exam.
I barely had time to gather my thoughts or calm my nerves before heading into the exam hall. All the late-night cramming had led to this moment, and I could only hope that my preparation would carry me through.
The exam finally began, and as I took my seat in the hall, the silence was almost deafening. My heart raced as the invigilator distributed the papers, and I glanced at the clock, watching the seconds tick away.
I focused on the first question, trying to push aside the exhaustion and nerves that had been building for weeks. The minutes turned into hours as I scribbled down answers, my mind shifting between moments of clarity and uncertainty.
As the end of the exam approached, I could feel the weight lifting from my shoulders. My final answer was penned, and I looked up at the clock one last time. The invigilator's signal to stop writing came as a wave of relief washed over me. The exam was over.
I gathered my things and walked out of the hall, feeling a mix of exhaustion and elation. The weight of the past few weeks seemed to lift, and all I could see was my mattress in my room where I would sleep once I got back home.
As I stepped out of the college campus, feeling the weight of the exam finally lifted, my gaze fell on a guy.
Wait! Vayu???
"No he can't be here! He's in Bangalore!" my brain mocked.
For a moment, I thought I was hallucinating. But he was standing at the gate with a bouquet of flowers, looking every bit as real as possible. My exhausted mind struggled to process the scene, and I blinked several times to make sure I wasn't imagining it.
When the image didn't fade, I felt a rush of disbelief and joy. The sight of him, so unexpectedly there, was like a dream come true.
I rushed into his arms, feeling an overwhelming wave of relief and joy as I did. "Vayuu!" I cried as I held him tightly.
The bouquet of flowers fell to the ground, forgotten, as I clung to him, burying my face in his chest. His embrace was warm and comforting.
He pulled back slightly, looked into my eyes with a warm smile, and said, "Happy birthday, Sunflower!"
It took me a moment to process his words. "What?" I asked in confusion, only for him to smile.
As the reality sunk in, I realized with a jolt that today was indeed my birthday. I had been so absorbed in my exams and the stress of the past weeks that I'd completely forgotten.
A laugh escaped me, a mix of surprise and happiness. "Oh my gosh, I completely forgot it was my birthday today! I've been so caught up in the exams, it slipped my mind."
He grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Issi liye to aaya hoon! Phone to na jaane kahan rakh rakha hoga tune apna!"
And he was right, I hadn't used my phone for the past two days, so I was completely out of touch with any dates or messages. The stress of the exams had kept me so focused that I hadn't even thought to check my phone.
Looking up at him, I smiled through my tears. "You really made my day. I can't believe you're here."
"Ese kese nahi aata? Meri jaan ka birthday hai!" he replied, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I've been waiting for this moment! Or you can say I was dying to see you, Sunflower!"
Then he picked up the bouquet, forwarded it to me, and said, "Meri Sunflower ke liye Sunflowers!"
With a smile of my own, I took it from him and hugged him tightly, feeling an unexpected burst of joy. For a moment, everything else melted away. It was just the two of us, wrapped in each other's arms, sharing a quiet, perfect moment of connection and love.
The world outside faded, and all that mattered was being here with him. In that instant, all the stress and fatigue of the past weeks melted away, replaced by the warmth of his presence.
We settled into the car and began the drive back to my room because of course I need to take a shower before we go somewhere to celebrate my birthday.
During the ride, I called my parents to their blessings.
"Mumma, you know Vayu is here! He surprised me!" I told her in excitement expecting her to be surprised. Instead, she laughed softly and said, "Oh, I already knew about his plan."
I was taken aback. "You did? How come?"
She replied with a knowing smile, "He mentioned it to me a while ago. Papa or mujhe dono ko pata tha Vayush tujhe birthday pe surprise dene vala hai!"
Her words made me smile even more. It was heartwarming to know that Vayu had shared his plans with them.
As I held the phone to my ear, I felt a deep sense of connection to them, even from a distance. Their warm wishes and blessings for my birthday filled me with comfort.
As I ended the call, I reached out and intertwined my fingers with his, feeling his hand squeeze mine gently. "I love you, Vayuu!" I said softly, making him smile.
"I love you more, Sunflower!" He replied, kissing my temples.
We continued the drive in a serene silence, the gentle hum of the car and the warmth of his hand providing a perfect solace to my heart.
After a long day of exams, she was completely exhausted. As soon as she stepped into her room, she barely had the energy to keep her eyes open. Without much thought, she collapsed onto her bed, falling into a deep, peaceful sleep.
"Sunflower, at least nha to le!" I suggested caressing her hair, but she only hummed in response.
Watching her drift off, I knew she needed the rest more than anything. I quietly smiled to myself looking at her sleeping figure.
I looked around her room which was a complete mess. Though she's not someone who keeps her room dirty but her room was totally unsettled, a clear reminder of the stressful exam period she had just endured.
Books were scattered everywhere, and notes were piled up, remnants of sleepless nights and intense study sessions.
So I decided to clean it, trying to lessen her burden. Firstly, tidying up her room, clearing away the textbooks, and notes. I organized her desk, making space for a fresh start, and folded the clothes that had piled up during the busy days.
I noticed the trolley bag she used when she visited Dehradun was still intact in one corner. I smiled and went near the bed to kiss her softly.
I started placing the folded in her almirah, when something caught my eye-a small, folded piece of paper tucked neatly in the corner of a shelf.
Curious, I pulled it out, and as soon as I saw the familiar handwriting, a wave of surprise washed over me. It was the letter I had written for her on her 13th birthday.
I stood there for a moment, speechless, holding the worn but well-preserved letter. I couldn't believe she had kept it all these years, safely tucked away.
Memories of that day flooded back-how I had nervously written that letter, hoping to make her feel special, never imagining that she'd hold onto it for this long.
As I unfolded the letter, a soft smile spread across my face. I realized in that moment just how deeply she cherished our memories, even the small gestures from our childhood.
I gently placed the letter back where I found it, overwhelmed with affection. She hadn't just kept the letter; she had kept a piece of our past, a testament to how much we've grown together.
Then came the main part, decorating. I carefully placed soft fairy lights around the room, casting a warm, comforting glow.
The final touch was a string of photos I had brought with me-pictures of us and our family. I hung them in a line above her bed, creating a personal memory wall.
As she continued to sleep peacefully, I took out a box from my pocket. I had brought along a special gift-a customized anklet that I had designed just for her.
Each charm on the anklet represented a piece of our story, small symbols that held so much meaning for the both of us.
There was a tiny Sunflower charm for the name I used to call her with. Next to it hung a miniature school building, reminding us of the place we first met. There was a hill charm, symbolizing the valleys of Dehradoon, we visited together, and a tiny heart with our initials engraved on it, representing the love we shared.
I carefully placed the anklet inside a small, velvet box and laid it on the side table. Attached to it was a note:
"Each charm is a piece of us-a story we've written together, and one we'll continue to build with every moment. Happy birthday, my love."
I knew this simple, personalized gift would mean the world to her. It wasn't just an accessory; it was a reflection of our journey, a story told through small, delicate charms that held more meaning than words could express.
All that was left now was for her to wake up and see it, and I couldn't wait to watch her face light up when she did.
Looking over at her sleeping peacefully, I felt a new sense of warmth. This birthday was going to be more special than ever, because I knew now that the bond we shared went deeper than words or gesture. It was built on a lifetime of love, memories, and the small things that truly mattered.
1 hour later
When she finally stirred and opened her eyes, it took her a moment to adjust to the soft, warm glow of the room. At first, she seemed confused, blinking at the fairy lights and the freshly tidied space.
Slowly, realization dawned on her face, and her eyes widened as she took in everything around her. She sat up, glancing at the small gift box on the side table and the note I had left for her.
I watched as she picked it up, unfolding the note with a smile playing on her lips. Her eyes softened as she read my words, and when she opened the box to see the anklet with the charms, her smile grew even brighter.
She ran her fingers over the delicate charms, studying each one, clearly understanding the thought and meaning behind them. "This is beautiful," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
"You could have woke me up!" She said with a pout making me chuckle.
"You're so exhausted!" I said taking a seat beside her on the edge of the bed. "And about it, I wanted to give you something that told our story," I said softly gesturing towards the anklet, "Every charm is a piece of us."
She looked at me, eyes shimmering with gratitude and surprise. She jumped over me, and said, "I can't believe you did all this while I was asleep."
"I just want to give you a small surprise, Sunflower! I hope you like it!" I said caressing her cheeks.
She leaned in, resting her head against my shoulder, and I felt her happiness in that simple gesture. "Thank you so much, I loved it!" she whispered. "For everything. This is more than I could have ever imagined."
Smiling, I gently nudged her and said, "Now, get ready. We're going out!"
Without hesitation, she jumped off the bed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She grabbed the first dress she could find and rushed to take a shower.
I could hear her humming softly as she took shower, her mood lifted by the surprises so far. As I waited, I couldn't help but smile to myself, knowing that she liked everything I did for her.
Once I was ready, I came of out the bathroom and was him waiting for me with a big smile. We drove to the temple first because it's a my routine to visit a temple on my birthday. I felt a mix of excitement and calm as we arrived.
The temple was lovely, with its beautiful carvings and peaceful vibe. As we walked up the steps, I felt a sense of calm wash over me.
We spent a few quiet moments at the altar, and I offered a silent thank you for the day and for everything he had done. I looked at him and felt a deep sense of happiness and connection.
As we stood together in the temple, I was praying with my eyes closed, when he leaned to me and asked, "Kya maanga Bhagwan se?"
With my eyes still closed and my heart full, I whispered, "Tujhe."
Even with my eyes shut, I could feel his warmth and love surrounding me, making the moment even more special.
After our visit to the temple, we settled back into the car. I turned to him, curiosity getting the better of me, and asked, "So, where are we going next?"
With a playful grin, he replied, "We're going to catch a movie."
My face lit up with excitement. I loved the idea of a relaxed movie date, and it felt like the perfect way to spend time with him.
As we arrived at the theater and I saw the movie poster, I was surprised to find out it was the one I had been hoping to see but hadn't been able to due to my exams.
I turned to him, my eyes wide with amazement. "How did you know I wanted to see this?"
He just smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Tune bataya tha ek baar. So I thought it would be a nice way to celebrate."
I felt a rush of gratitude and excitement. It was like he had picked the perfect movie just for me, adding another special touch to an already wonderful day.
We settled into our seats and the movie began. It was a gripping crime thriller, a genre we both loved. As the suspenseful scenes unfolded on the screen, we were both completely absorbed in the story.
Our hands naturally found each other, intertwining as we shared the excitement of each twist and turn. We laughed, tensed up, and whispered our reactions to each other, enjoying the shared experience.
The movie was fantastic, and the time spent together made it even more memorable.
After the movie, we headed to my favorite restaurant, a cozy spot that held so many memories. As we settled at our table, I noticed him smiling as he handed the menu back to the waiter without even asking me what I wanted.
"Are atleast ask me what I want!" I said with a pout as the waiter left the table.
He chuckled at my words and said, "Kadhai paneer, dal makhani, veg pulao aur naan!"
I was amazed at how he literally remember my favourite meal making me blush.
As the food was served, we talked, laughed, and savored each bite. By the time dessert came-my absolute favorite-Moong Dal Halwa, I couldn't stop smiling. He had truly made this birthday unforgettable, with each little surprise reflecting just how much he cared.
I laughed as I took another bite of dessert and looked at him, shaking my head. "I'm adding so many calories today!"
He chuckled, giving me a playful look. "It's your birthday! Aaj sab chalega!" he said, flashing that grin of his that always made me smile.
Once we finished dinner, we headed back to my room, the weight of the day slowly settling in. As we drove back, the city lights blurred past, and I felt the exhaustion creeping in.
"I'm so exhausted, Vayu!" I whispered entering the room as I barely had the energy to take another step, but before I could say anything, he smiled mischievously and gently lifted me into his arms.
"Stop making me blush every now and then Kashyap!" I whispered, dipping my face in the crook of his neck. "Aadat daal le iski!" I replied pecking my cheeks softly.
I couldn't help but giggle as he carried me over to the bed, making sure I was comfortable as he settled me down.
I closed my eyes, thinking about today's moments but then he spoke up, "Abhi mat sona!"
I pouted at him, and cried, "Par mujhe neend aarahi hai Vayuu!"
He sighed and left the room without uttering any word making me confused. I closed my eyes again, leaning against the headboard.
A minute later, I heard the sound of footsteps returning. I opened my eyes to see him standing there, holding a small birthday cake with candles flickering softly in the dim light.
"See this is left!" he said with a gentle smile, walking over to me. My heart swelled with emotion. Even after such a full day, he had managed to sneak in one last surprise.
"Stop surprising me! I'm feeling so overwhelmed!" I cried as he gently caress my cheeks.
Tears pricked the corners of my eyes as I sat up. He placed the cake in front of me, and I could feel the warmth of his love. The soft glow of the flames lit up the room, casting a warm, intimate atmosphere around us. We exchanged a smile, and he quietly said, "Make a wish."
I got on my knees, leaned towards him capturing his lips into a kiss. Pulling away, I looked into his eyes and whispered, "You're my wish!"
Then, I blew out the candles, and together, we cut the cake. He fed me the first bite, and I did the same for him, both of us laughing softly at how perfect everything felt.
After cutting the cake and sharing those sweet, quiet moments, we finally settled under the duvet. Wrapped in each other's embrace, the exhaustion of the day began to sink in, but I felt so content.
As we lay there, we talked softly-about the day, our memories, our future. His warmth next to me was comforting, and I felt completely at peace.
After some time, I noticed his responses had become quieter, and when I glanced over, I saw that he had fallen asleep. His face looked so calm, so at ease, and I couldn't help but smile to myself.
Placing my head over his chest I could hear his heart beating. With the world quiet and his heartbeat steady against mine, I knew-this wasn't just the end of a day, but the beginning of forever.
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