Chapter 4: chapter 4

In the next few days, Kaushal's newly acquired commanding nature towards Riya grew increasingly audacious. He seized every opportunity to expose Riya's smallest mistakes, leaving no stone unturned. The once vibrant camaraderie that had been the lifeblood of the cantonment now felt distant and tinged with hostility, tainted by chauvinistic remarks. Kaushal's interactions with Riya bore a bitter undertone, a stark departure from the harmony they had once shared, at least that's what Riya thought earlier."Riya, your strategies are certainly commendable, but allow me to demonstrate the true art of leadership," Kaushal quipped one afternoon, his voice oozing with pride and sarcasm.His words pierced the air, causing a sting that was impossible to ignore. Unspoken questions lingered in the eyes of their fellow soldiers, fixated on Riya.Riya's jaw clenched as she met his gaze, her determination unwavering. "Lt. Col. Kaushal, this is not a contest," she retorted sharply, her tone slicing through the tension. "Our strengths should complement one another, not be used as ammunition for rivalry."A sardonic laugh escaped Kaushal's lips, imbued with a bitter edge. "Indeed, Major Riya. Nevertheless, a fresh perspective can often be enlightening."His comment hung in the air, casting a suffocating veil of tension between them. The comrades looked at each other, they were getting used to this unnecessary duel between the two officers they used to admire."Your plans are needlessly intricate, Riya. It's baffling how we've managed to endure such difficult to follow tactics for so long."Riya maintained her patience, although her frustration simmered just beneath the surface. "Lieutenant Colonel Kaushal, it would be beneficial if you could provide clearer insight into your proposed course of action, Sir."Riya tried to taunt Kaushal for his useless comments but somehow it just gave more power to him. Leaning back, Kaushal's expression feigned surprise. "Certainly, and permit me to offer suggestions for improving this aspect as well."Suppressing her irritation, Riya fought to keep her emotions in check. The chauvinistic undertones woven into his words cut deeply, an open wound that festered with each subsequent interaction. The atmosphere around them seemed to darken with the toxicity that Lt. Col. Kaushal introduced.Though it was a routine schedule, Kaushal made it look special as if they were on a war mission. Everyone listening to him was surprised to visualise the extent he went to humiliate Riya.That morning there was no one in the unit, who was listening to them, felt happy about this strange sadistic behaviour of Kaushal and wondered why he was promoted.On an evening when the moon was clearly visible and the sun Below the horizon, during an informal officer's party gathering, Riya found herself alone, with Kaushal. The air was thick with unspoken sentiments, and the burden of their strained relationship had become unbearable. Riya tried to play a friend card."Kaushal, we were once comrades, united by mutual respect," Riya began, her voice tinged with a blend of sorrow and resolve. "What has caused this change?"Kaushal turned to her, his gaze unwavering. "Riya, the world evolves, people evolve. Perhaps it's time we acknowledged that."His bitter tone sliced through Riya, a stark reminder of how far they had drifted. Riya persisted, "Change is inevitable, yet it need not equate to division. Our differences should be a source of strength, not a force of separation."Kaushal's shoulders slumped for a fleeting moment before he straightened, a sense of fatigue in his demeanour."Perhaps you're beginning to see the truth, Riya. Accepting my exceptional capabilities is a significant change for you, isn't it?" Sarcasm laced his words.A flicker of optimism ignited within Riya, only to be extinguished by his statement. She realised that his chauvinistic viewpoints were deeply entrenched, rendering any further attempts at playing friendship card is futile and that's when she changed her gears."No, if you persist in your current behaviour and treatment towards me, I'll be left with no choice but to report this matter, and the repercussions won't be favourable, as now our differences are very evident in the unit as well!" Riya's patience finally gave way to assertiveness."Did you dare utter the word 'No' to me?" Kaushal's voice thundered, the growing tension palpable.Riya's chuckle held a hint of defiance. "Yes, sir, I did. I refuse to endorse your methods. They are detrimental to our leadership and the unit, and I'm prepared to seek a transfer if necessary."Unable to contain his rage, Kaushal's face reddened. "You challenge me openly?"Riya met his fury with unwavering resolve. "Yes, Kaushal, I do." With a heavy heart and a storm brewing in her eyes, Riya left the scene. Deep down, she knew that a battle had just started face to face, one that went beyond the confines of the cantonment and delved into the complex realm of ego and authority.The next day, the tension between Riya and Kaushal escalated to new heights. Their interactions became increasingly toxic and abusive, and the cantonment could feel the impending storm. The once close-knit unit now felt like a battleground, with fellow officers forced to choose sides.Riya's decision to challenge Kaushal's behaviour had not gone unnoticed by their superiors. Col. Dinesh called for a meeting to address the escalating conflict."Major Riya, Lt. Col. Kaushal, it has come to my attention that your professional relationship has deteriorated significantly," Colonel Dinesh began, his tone firm. "This is unacceptable and detrimental to the morale of our unit. You are liable for an official investigation."Kaushal remained defiant, his resentment apparent. "Sir, with all due respect, I have attempted to offer my expertise, but Major Riya refuses to acknowledge it."Riya's voice was resolute. "Sir, I welcome constructive feedback and collaboration, but I cannot condone the disrespectful manner in which Lt. Col. Kaushal communicates with me."Colonel Dinesh's gaze shifted between the two officers, his expression stern. "This unit relies on teamwork and mutual respect. I expect both of you to set aside your differences and work together harmoniously for the betterment of our mission. Failure to do so will have consequences."Despite the warning, the tension between Riya and Kaushal continued to escalate. The next evening, Riya didn’t report when Kaushal called for her to review a tactical plan, it was a direct violation and Riya knew she would be questioned.There was a knock on the door. It was Captain Veer."Madam Sir, I've been watching this unfold, and it's getting out of hand," Captain Veer said, concern etched on his face. "We need to find a resolution before it affects the entire unit."Riya nodded, exhaustion evident in her eyes. "I've tried, Veer, but Kaushal seems determined to undermine me at every turn."Captain Veer offered a sympathetic smile. "Sometimes, battles aren't won through confrontation, Madam Sir. We need to take a different approach. Let's gather evidence of Kaushal's behaviour and present it to the higher-ups but if you don’t obey his order he will get an upper hand. Perhaps that will force them to take action on you rather than him!"Riya sighed, "Yes you are right, let me try another card then!"~~~~~