Love Amidst Chaos

Chapter 12

Rajveer returned back with the two cadets, with Alekh supporting Naina. To say that the other cadets were shocked, would be an understatement. They had their jaws on the floor as they kept staring at the two of them. No one ever imagined for Alekh to be so friendly with Naina, especially when he never even looked at anyone.

Naina and Alekh noticed the reaction of everyone and they couldn't help but burst out laughing. Now, everyone looked at them with wide-eyes. Rajveer noticed Alekh and he was happy. Not only because Alekh now had someone with him but also because, he could trust Alekh with Naina's safety.

Wait.... Naina's safety...? Of course, she is Naveen's sister, so naturally I feel protective for her, Rajveer thought.

Alekh accompanied her to the infirmary as Pooja and Yudi rushed towards Naina. Shalini was busy arranging the medicine bottles when she heard commotion behind her. She looked at four young cadets, looking at her with slight hesitance. She smiled, realizing that the cadets were probably here for the first time. 

She smiled kindly at them as she said, "Hello cadets. So, who got hurt?" 

Naina realized that although Pooja and Yudi were trying to form a sentence, Alekh didn't even bother as his face was now, again expressionless.

"I think I sprained my ankle, Ma'am." Naina said and Shalini couldn't help but notice Naina from up-close for the first time.

She controlled her emotions as she nodded the others to go back to the mess as she brought Naina to the bed nearby.

Alekh peeped inside one last time as he said, "Take care." And that's it. He left.

Shalini couldn't help but say, "He speaks?" and Naina chuckled.

Shalini stared at Naina as she couldn't help but notice the similarities between Naveen and Naina. She took a deep breath.

She smiled gently at her as she checked her ankle. 

"Alright cadet, it's just a normal sprain but other than that, no permanent damage. I'll give you a pain killer and you'll be fine." Shalini handed her the medicines and Naina thanked Shalini for it. 

Naina was about to get off the bed when Shalini stopped her. "What are you doing? You need rest. Do not move your ankle for a few hours. Stay here for the night." She instructed her.

Naina looked at her shocked, "Uh.. but Ma'am, I'll be fine... really." 

"I am the doctor here, Cadet." Shalini said in a soft yet stern voice. 

Naina turned red with embarrassment as she ducked her head and mumbled a quick sorry.

Shalini couldn't help but chuckle slightly at her behavior. 'Naveen was so right about her. She is very out-spoken compared to her brother.'

So, Shalini decided to talk to Naina and to let her know that it was fine.

"It's alright, Cadet. No need to be so embarrassed. I know that cadets don't exactly love spending the night in an infirmary but to be honest, it doesn't mean that you are too weak for this life." Shalini said and Naina looked at her like child caught by her parent.

Shalini couldn't help but smile at her innocence. A part of her was happy that Naveen's Gudiya was still in her but she was a bit scared for the sister of Captain Naveen Singh Ahluwalia.

Naina was a bit comfortable with Shalini as she asked, "How did you know what I was thinking?"

"I've been a doctor in this academy for almost 6 years now. And to be honest, I've seen enough cadets landing in this infirmary within 48 hours of joining academy." Shalini answered truthfully as she giggled.