Ever since her parents were killed in war, she had wanted to fight for her country and join the army. So, as soon as she finished high school, she joined the Nepal Army. It had been 3 years since she joined and she was a Captain now. She had successfully finished her commando training back home which was the second toughest in the world. Five months after completing her training, she learned that the government of the United Kingdom was giving twenty soldiers from the Nepal Army a chance to go to the U.K., to train them on the latest guns. She was one of the few chosen. She was happy then, exited about the 2 month long training. Now, though, she was homesick and she was more than glad now that the training was over.
Not that she had anyone back home that would miss her. Her boyfriend did not agree with her when she told him about her ambition. She broke up with him because did he actually expect her to sit home and look after his kids after they got married? No way, she wasn't leading a life so boring! Still, she desperately wanted to return home but the Major had other programmes and hence they were stuck for another two days.
"Good morning, Captain!" came a cheerful voice from behind her and she turned around smiling at the person. Rishi Thapa. They had been friends since high school. After that, they joined the army together and well, here they were... together again. Even after all these years, the jokes he and his friends cracked during high school still amused her.
"How many times do I have to tell you, Captain, we don't address each other as such in private." She scolded him.
"Ha ha...just teasing you. So, Krisha, tell me what were you thinking about?"
"Nothing, just remembering the past. I really want to go back home but Maj. Khanal seems to have other plans. I can't believe I'm trapped here for another two days." She complained and he chuckled at her sour expression.
"But I'm enjoying it here. The girls are HOT." He teased and was rewarded with a punch to his stomach.
"Ouch!!" he grimaced mockingly. "Watch your hands lady! I think they're made of steel."
Krisha rolled her eyes at the comment. "So, any special plans for today?"
"Not yet. You tell me. I'll join you for anything to get out of this hell of a camp."
She smiled at his reaction and after a moment of thinking, "Let's hit a library. I've wanted to do that ever since I got here and I know you love books, too. Though now that I think of it, it's pretty weird for a guy like you to love books. Are you actually from Earth??"
"Very funny, nanu," he said, using her pet name. "Sure lets go, but we better get out of this combat uniform. I want to feel like a normal tourist today."
She nodded and made her way to her dorm. "Don't forget your ID though." she called back.
* * *
Rishi watched as the girl walked out of the doors. He marvelled at the way a small girl could change into a ferocious fighter. She still had her childish habits and her face was still delicate. No one could tell about her occupation but things were different in the practice grounds. She was a black belt in karate and equally good with weapons. She was inches shorter than him, she stood only at a height of 5'2", but the shortness only allowed her to be swift and deadly during their practices. The way she talked and that body of hers, he knew he should've been smitten over her like other colleagues of his but he had more of a brother-like compassion for her. He knew she had no family and that only added to the respect and love he had for this girl.
An hour later, they were strolling along the countryside. He was chattering about the girls he'd met and she was laughing at his jokes. It was a warm day and they hadn't bothered with jackets but out of their habits, they had hoods and water packed in their back packs. She had put on a white tank top and shorts. On her feet were converses. He had similar shoes, khaki shorts and brown t-shirt.
Krisha noticed the local library and pulled Rishi towards it. It was quite early in the morning so the library was empty. Even the librarian was outside drinking tea. They got inside and Krisha immediately attacked the shelf indicating 'Science Fiction' while Rishi idled around the history section.
He was engrossed, somewhere in the middle of the French revolution when her voice caught his attention.