"Beyond The Boundary "

chapter 30

And another where four of them were smiling .

They looked… happy.

Stupidly, naively happy.

She didn’t know Rihi still had these.

She put them back exactly how she found them.

And when Rihi returned, she didn’t say a word.

---

Final Day – Award Ceremony Grounds, Drass

They all got ready in the barracks.

Mrityunjay adjusted his collar.

Rihi checked her boots thrice.

Veer was late — of course — but still looked like a hero from a war movie when he finally arrived.

And Aashna? She looked at herself in the mirror, flight lieutenant blues perfectly pressed, and whispered, “Let’s go.”

They met outside, the four of them — olive green beside sky blue.

Witty banter flew. Veer cracked a joke about his medals being allergic to dust. Mrityunjay rolled his eyes. Rihi and Aashna grinned.

They found their seats in the 5th row, laughing, shrugging, full of pride.

Until…

They walked in.

Shreyas. Ishan. Abhishek.

And then, Shubman.

The Indian Cricket Team had been invited as special guests.

It was meant to inspire morale.

But it just sent a ripple through the still air.

Aashna froze for half a second.

Then exhaled.

She didn’t flinch. Didn’t look. Just kept talking to Veer.

Rihi sat taller, her eyes fixed ahead, voice calm as ever.

But beneath the surface, storm clouds swirled.

---

Stage Announcements Began

When Rihi’s name was called, there was a thunderous applause.

She rose — back straight, jaw sharp, expression unreadable — and walked toward the stage.

Shubman was already there.

3 years had passed since they saw each other .

He froze for just a second when he saw her.

He was shocked to see her all insecurities gone , slim ,confident no body hair and a proud smile

She didn’t.

Not even a flicker of recognition in her eyes.

She took the Best Team Leader award from his hand without pause. Saluted. Stepped off.

Not a word. Not a glance.

Just dignity.

Later, Mrityunjay claimed Best Shooter from Shreyas they shook hands smiling .

Then came Veer and Aashna — Best Maneuver Recognition for coordinated excellence.  They took it from both Abhishek and Ishan .

2 years had passed since he saw her .

Abhishek was shocked his chaotic,crazy , flirty Aashna was gone ...there stood Aashna with a confident smile mature and tight posture ..

When they stood together — her in sky blue, him in shades and charm — the flashbulbs clicked rapidly.

Back in the row, Abhishek’s jaw clenched.

“ what the fuck bro,” he muttered under his breath to Shubman. “Yeh kya ho gaya... these two? Yahan?”
(What happened to these two here how?)

Shubman whispered, “Really the fuck, bro…”

They hadn’t expected this.

Hadn’t expected them.

---

Post Ceremony – Reception Lawn

The cricket boys didn’t leave.

They thought to have a week tour.

They lingered.

Trying to pretend they weren’t staring. Trying to pretend it didn’t sting.

Aashna didn’t care.

Veer offered her a juice, and cracked a joke about how she should frame her certificate next to his.

“Side by side?” she asked, raising a brow.

“Or above yours,” he winked.

Mrityunjay watched it all, standing beside Rihi, who stared at the sunset like it held answers to questions she refused to ask.

“They looked… shaken,” he said gently.

“Let them be,” Rihi replied. “We’ve moved.”

“But did you heal?”

She didn’t answer.

---

Later That Night – Bunkerside

Aashna sat cross-legged on a makeshift mattress, still in partial uniform. She’d kicked off her boots, her braid slightly loose, the sky inky above them.

“You okay?” Veer asked, sitting beside her.

She nodded.

He nudged her shoulder.

“You saw him. Didn’t you?”

She took a moment. Then whispered, “She still keeps his photo.”

Veer didn’t ask who. He didn’t need to.

“I found mine too,” Aashna admitted. “Last week. In an old flight bag.”

He looked at her, quiet.

“I didn’t throw it,” she added. “But I didn’t keep it either.”

Silence.

“Do you still—”

“No,” she cut him off.

“Just… don’t forget who made you cry,” he said gently. “And who held your hand after.”

She smiled faintly.

“Thank you, Veer.”

He saluted playfully. “Always, ma’am.”

From a distance, Mrityunjay and Rihi watched them from the compound stairs.

“She doesn’t talk about him,” Rihi said softly.

“She doesn’t need to,” MJ replied. “Neither do you.”

They stood silently as the moon bathed the camp in silver.

__________________________________________

Here is the next update .
Liked it?

Shubman and Abhishek saw them after two and three years ...

Will Rihi and Aashna  return to them or find their life partner in Veer and Mrityunjay ?

And what about Shubman’s engagement with sara and
Abhishek’s rumoured love life with Laila
Are the still with each other or broken ?

Hope you all like it 30 chapters guys we came long ..do comments and vote and follow me both here and Instagram for more updates .

Until next take care 💙