Dinner with the Soldier
The Mehra residence was alive with the warmth of family that evening. The smell of her mother’s cooking drifted through the air
Kiara Mehra
The food looks so delicious 😋. Can't wait to eat.
Neeta Mehra
Kiara, go put these pots on the dinning table. Do some work and help me.
Kiara wandered from the kitchen to the dining table
Her father was in unusually high spirits. He sat polishing a glass, humming a tune that Kiara had never thought possible from a man so stern.
Kiara Mehra
Why are you smiling like that, Dad?
(teasing while placing the cutlery )
Colonel Rajeev Mehra
Something better.Captain Arjun is coming.
(saying proudly )
Colonel Rajeev Mehra
He’s the kind of soldier every officer dreams to command. Disciplined, fearless, loyal.
Kiara Mehra
Oh, that Captain.😳
(Trying to sound casual, but her cheeks were burning )
Colonel Rajeev Mehra
Yes, my child.
(He didn't notice her face)
Then the doorbell rang. Her father was already halfway across the hall before the second chime. Kiara slowed her steps deliberately, not wanting to look too eager.
Colonel Rajeev Mehra
Welcome Captain Arjun.
He greeted her mother with a respectful bow of his head, her father with a firm handshake.
Kiara Mehra
Good evening,😊
( softly)
Captain Arjun Rathore
Good evening
(in a voice low, smooth, like velvet over steel)
Arjun stepped inside. His presence seemed to fill the room instantly—not loud, not overbearing, but steady.
Kiara Mehra
💭Aww, he is looking so handsome today. I can't control my heart beat. 😍😍
Neeta Mehra
Come inside and join us for a dinner.
(warmly )
Colonel Rajeev Mehra
Yes Arjun, come
Captain Arjun Rathore
Yes, sir.
Kiara Mehra
💭He is still keeping his solid position👀.
They sat for dinner. Conversation flowed mostly between her father and Arjun—about the latest border tensions, upcoming drills, politics. While Kiara was sneaking glances at Arjun instead.
Neeta Mehra
Captain, do you miss home?
Arjun hesitated just a fraction before answering.
Captain Arjun Rathore
Home is… complicated. The uniform doesn’t leave much space for it.
Kiara Mehra
But surely even soldiers have… something they hold onto? A book, a song, a memory?
Arjun’s eyes met hers across the table. The weight of that gaze made her breath catch. For a moment, it felt as though the room had narrowed down to just the two of them.
Captain Arjun Rathore
A few things... But not many.
( Admitted quietly.)
Colonel Rajeev Mehra
That’s why I trust him, Kiara. He doesn’t let distractions get in his way.
Kiara Mehra
😄Oh i see.
(forcing laugh)
Kiara Mehra
💭Does he think of me as a distraction👀?
After dinner, her mother insisted on serving tea in the veranda. The night air was cool, stars scattered across the sky. Arjun stood by the railing, hands behind his back, posture relaxed but somehow still military.
Kiara joined him, her dupatta brushing lightly against his arm. He didn’t move, but she saw the faintest tightening of his jaw.
Kiara Mehra
Do you ever get tired of always being so… proper?
( softly)
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