Monami got back to her training and Karan had to take Col Batra to a meeting, so they couldn't communicate much throughout the day. Karan had messaged Monami about her day asking her to forget what he had said in the day and she had replied that they will talk when he is back. This gave Monami some time to think about Karan's proposal.

At 9 30 pm, after dinner, Monami received Karan's message to meet her at the terrace. With lights out time in the hostel, that was a safe time for Karan and Monami to find some alone time.

Monami reached terrace and waited for Karan. After a few minutes, Karan came from behind and hugged Monami, Handing over a flower bouquet.
"Kya baat hai, Agent Shergill. Aap to gamle lagate lagate bouquet par aa gaye" Monami said without turning around.

"Haan mujhe laga tumhara mood kharab hoga to phool se shayad pighal jao, gamla diya toooo ... mujhpe phenk sakti thi na" . They both smiled.

Karan turned Monami around and squeezed her into a hug. "Disappointed ho mujhse?"
Monami refused "-Nahi", while hugging Karan tight
Karan: "Upset Ho"
Monami: "Nahi"

Karan exhaled a long breath " you have no idea how relieved I am ki tum mujhse Naaraz nahin ho. I was so scared. Kuchh der ke liye Aisa laga jaise me tumhe kho na doon"

Monami (still hugging Karan tight): ". I'm sorry. Main Tumhen Pareshan nahin Karna chahti thi. But mujhe Samajh hi nahin aaya ki me Kyaa react karoon.I was just so flummoxed." Monami explained. "Par ab Achha lag raha Hai. Tumhe hug Kar ke, Tumhari Dil ki Dhadkan sunn kar calm feel Karti hoon."

" wo birthday pe, we will party the way you want. Forget every thing else. All that matters is that you will be with me and I'm sorry again for bringing up that topic." Karan said while continuing to hold Monami tight in his embrace.

" Karan, I don't want to dismiss the topic. If you felt a certain way, and wanted to talk to to me about that, then it makes me happy that you opened up to me. I love the transparency between us and I would not change it for anything. This is us. We understand each other and we can talk about anything."

She continued. " About what you said exactly, first, it took me some time to process what you meant. Actually a lot of time. But don't you forget agent Shergill, your girlfriend is a doctor. So least she can do is understand biology." They smiled at each other.

"I understand attraction and how our body releases hormones like oxytocin and serotonin when we are with the person we love, which further increases our sexual attraction. I mean it's biology. So I can't be upset with you for high oxytocin around me. Dekha jaye to, it actually kinda makes me feel flattered that I make you a bit crazy. Just the way you drive me crazy."

Karan nodded, "okay, so this means..."

"This means we still have other things to consider. Physically and age wise , we are healthy and mature enough to plan intercourse. Mentally, I feel married to you since the first time I wore this ring. So I have no moral hang-up. We are single, mature, in love......Buttttt.." Monami made a sad face

"But what?" Karan wanted to know

"Butt you are my trainer. If anyone finds out, this can be misused against you. Being in love is easy to explain but being sexually involved can have legal implications and I would rather wait for a few months than take that risk with your career and life"

Karan nodded his head. "Why does all this sound way more unromantic than the way I had looked at the situation."

Monami: "Aisa lag raha hai na ki main Karan hoon aur tum Monami" .

They giggled.

Karan: "okay, my turn now. I know I was abrupt in the morning but now that we are talking... I didn't analyse this so much. But all i could think was the romance part of it which you seem to be missing.
Monami when most of my friends/colleagues were exploring relationships and s*x, I was busy trying to build my career in the army. I was highly disciplined and focused and always thought women would be distraction. So now when I am with you.. may be my biological system , the way you explained, is more hyperactive as all those saved hormones are suddenly coming out. And more excited as it's my first time.."

Monami: "Waaiit, will it really be your first time?"

Karan (flustered): "Haan, so what. It's not like I didn't have the opportunity. I just had other priorities that time."

Monami gloated: "ooh.. so you will be only mine.. like ever"

Karan: "Hmm... yes.. anyways coming back to the point - Monami I planned it because I just thought it will be easier and less risky if we plan. So we can ensure it's a safe, stress-free place, no chance of leak that you are worried of. That's why I chose Bhabhi's house, where we can have enough time to be comfortable for our first time together, and we can have protection handy, instead of one fine day losing control and making out without condoms, in a place where we shouldn't. Protecting you is my priority too, Monami."

A few minutes passed in silence. By now , Karan was sitting on a bench on the terrace and Monami was sitting next to him, her head on his shoulder.

Monami: "So then"
Karan: "Then forget it. Next year sochenge."
Monami stood up and held Karan face in his hands. "I really want to make your birthday special. The way you wanted it. I am a bit nervous but I guess you have thought through it, I think let's go ahead with your plan. In last one hour, we have hardly spent any time not touching each other in some way. So, at this rate, one day we may just do it here on the terrace. And then you will scold me for for "breaking a rule"

Karan stood up and laughed. "Soch lo, koi jaldi nahi hai" He seriously asked Monami, touching her face gently.

Monami, "soch liya. Let's make your birthday special. I can't wait to be yours. I really love you Karan.

Karan: "Love you Monami." he paused
                "In two days then"

Monami: "Yeah, in two days"

——————-To be continued————————-