Chapter 1: chapter 1

Amid the towering peaks of the Himalayas, the cantonment near Leh was a hive of activity, a constant hum of disciplined marching motion against the backdrop of nature's grandeur. Olive-green uniforms moved with purpose, soldiers training, conversing, and sharing tales of valour.In this landscape of solidarity, Major Riya Singh was a strict officer whom everyone respected for her straightforwardness and honesty. The praise, respect and admiration she garnered were not just earned; they were etched into the very fabric of her being. Daughter of a disciplined Army officer from the Rajputana regiment, she was a true copy of her father Lt. Col. Rajendra Singh who had given his life during the 1999 War and had been given Maha Vir Chakra posthumously. Riya’s mother had passed away when she was twelve years old due to cancer but she never felt that vacuum because of her father’s presence but when her father lost his life during the war, she decided to join the Army as the motherland was the only family she was left with.In the same Leh cantonment there was someone else who didn’t like Major Riya, there was an undercurrent of cold emotion that simmered like a hidden flame. Major Kaushal Rathore, a seasoned officer celebrated for his strategic genius, hated Riya. Envy slithered through his thoughts like a venomous snake, striking him with each accolade that Riya received slowly turning into jealousy.Kaushal Rathore was a man who had always believed in his own superiority. He had built an armour of self-assuredness, impenetrable to doubt or insecurity. Yet, Riya had managed to find the chink in his armour, and his ego smarted from the wound. Her successes, her commitment, and her undeniable brilliance served as a mirror that reflected his inadequacies back at him. Male chauvinism was a lens through which Kaushal had long viewed the world. He had been conditioned to believe that the realm of valour and glory was reserved for men, and he felt entitled to these accolades. Yet, Riya's undisputable competence shattered this preconceived notion with each manoeuvre, each decision that outshone his own. His anger, born from a toxic cocktail of wounded pride and misplaced entitlement, festered beneath his stoic exterior.One day, while Riya was busy giving orders to her troupe of soldiers, Kaushal sent a sentry to tell her to meet him as an official request. He mentioned the purpose confidential.Riya was issuing orders with a commanding tone to her dedicated troupe of soldiers. The air was thick with anticipation, the scent of determination mingling with the dust kicked up by restless feet. She relished the weight of responsibility on her shoulders, the knowledge that she was leading these brave souls toward a brighter future. But little did she know, a storm was brewing on the horizon that would test not only her leadership but also the very fabric of trust and camaraderie she had woven.As Riya was deep in her element, a messenger clad in the colours of Kaushal's court approached. The messenger's solemn expression caught her attention, and she signalled for him to approach. With a formal bow, he relayed the official request – Kaushal wished to meet her.A flicker of surprise crossed her features. Riya's connection with Kaushal was no secret; they had fought side by side, strategized through many sessions, and their bond had estranged with each shared hardship. It was not common for them to discuss important matters as they reported separately, hence the formality of this official request was an unexpected twist.Setting aside her surprise, Riya thanked the messenger and dismissed him with a nod. As the messenger retreated, her thoughts churned. What could have prompted Kaushal to send a formal invitation, and what matter could be so pressing that it demanded her immediate attention?Later that evening, Riya stood at the entrance of Kaushal's room, her heart pounding. The room, adorned with intricate symbols of power, felt more intimidating than ever before. With a deep breath, she knocked the already open door, parted the heavy curtains and stepped inside.Kaushal sat at a lavish table, his regal attire accentuating his aura of authority. The room was immersed with an aura of tension, and the air seemed to crackle with unspoken words. Riya's eyes met Kaushal's, and for a moment, the intensity of his gaze made her falter."Riya," Kaushal's voice was steady, but there was an edge to it that she had never heard before. "Thank you for coming.""Of course, Kaushal," she replied, her tone respectful yet cautious. "You requested my presence."He motioned for her to sit, and she obliged, her senses on high alert. "Riya," he began, his voice tinged with an unexpected note of bitterness, "I've been hearing whispers among the soldiers, murmurs of admiration and loyalty directed towards you."Taken aback by the sudden shift in conversation, Riya's heart raced. She had always admired Kaushal's ability to read people and situations, but his jealousy was evident and struck a chord deep within her."Kaushal, I have always viewed our partnership as one of mutual respect," she said carefully, her voice holding a touch of reproach."The soldiers see us both as leaders, each with our own strengths."Kaushal's eyes narrowed slightly, and a tense silence settled over the room. "Strengths, yes," he responded, his voice laced with a mix of anger and envy. "But whose strengths do they truly worship? Whose name do they whisper in the dark when they think no one is listening?"Riya's heart sank. The emotions swirling between them were palpable, a turbulence of resentment and competitiveness was clearly visible now and Riya could sense where this conversation was directed towards."Kaushal," she said softly, her gaze unwavering, "Our strength lies in unity, not in rivalry. I have never sought to undermine you, nor do I desire to take your place."Kaushal's jaw clenched, and Riya could almost see the battle raging within him. The envy he harboured, mixed with his wounded pride, was a dangerous combination that had the potential to shatter the foundation of their partnership.The room seemed to hold its breath as Kaushal said, "Riya I have called you to understand, if you need any help from me, because I don’t want our soldiers to feel misguided."Riya was taken aback, her heart heavy with a mix of tension and lingering unease.“Excuse me, I really didn’t understand what you mean by misguided?”Kaushal continued, “I am your senior now and have been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and this will come as an official order soon that you have to report to me, so without wasting any more time, from tomorrow you will do as I tell you to. Is that clear Major Riya?”The sudden change in Kaushal’s tone created a storm in Riya’s head. Was this real, or was he fooling her?“Yes sir, I understand but I will wait for the official order” Riya tried to play by rules.“Okay Major Riya, you may leave now!”Kaushal was happy to show his position and power and keep Riya’s pride in check.Meanwhile Riya left but she was still contemplating on this new commanding orders. She wanted to vet these orders somehow and thought of checking with her senior officer Colonel Dinesh.She planned for meeting Colonel Dinesh in the evening and went back to her quarters. But in the evening when she neared Colonel Dinesh’s quarter, she found Lt. Col. Kaushal with him. She understood there was a deep play involved here. It was the lull before the storm, the winds of jealousy were waiting to hit her.Riya left Colonel Dinesh’s Quarter’s that night, without disturbing his gathering with Kaushal. She couldn't shake the feeling that her relationship with Colonel Dinesh had also shifted, and the path ahead seemed uncertain.She knew that the challenges she had faced earlier with Major Kaushal were now mirrored by the inner turmoil of his jealous heart, and his promotion was somehow not a good sign for her.~~~~~