The White House, Washington D.C., United States of America.

"These are the reports from India about the current situation, Mr. President." The personal secretary of the President of the United States of America said as he handed him a bunch of papers.

The President gave a hum as he read it and put the stack down after a few minutes. "This Veil is honestly, a completely new frontier. With ample resources just waiting to be extracted." He said.

"That is true, sir. However, we have to accept the fact that the Veil opened inside waters of a regional superpower. We cannot pressure India on allowing teams of our scientists just so we can gain some benefits." The White House Chief of Staff said before continuing, "Furthermore, I doubt Congress would just allow any motion to send American lives in unknown territory. They will definitely question the administration's decision on vetoing against China's motion in the UN Security Council."

"That's correct, John. I have to agree with you over there." The President said. "Plus, we already have our hands full with the situation in the Middle East and North Korea. It could spell a blow for this administration, especially since I am trying to be re-elected for a second term. Honestly, it could have been a bit easier if the Veil would have opened in a place like Japan or South Korea. That way we could at least get a reason to send our troops as well."

"That's true sir. However, I'm pretty sure Japan would see it as a terrorist incident and thus, an internal matter according to their constitution." The President's aide said.

"Oh well, no point moaning about this now. I'm pretty sure India already has a plan. It may be possible to arrange something with the Prime Minister of India when the G20 countries will meet in six months." The President said and got back to work.

The Kremlin, Moscow, Russian Federation.

"So, do you have any updates about the situation in India?" The President of the Russian Federation asked his Chief of Staff.

"The only update any news channel got from the Indian Ministry of Defense spokesperson is the fact that they are identifying key strongholds and cities to capture. The only thing they have disclosed is that their battlegroup has been dispatched through the Veil " The Chief of Staff replied.

"If the Indian Navy is identifying targets, then the question we should ask is how would they do so? It is very obvious that they don't have any satellites up there. " The President commented.

"Well, I'm pretty sure they can click photos through aerial reconnaissance. Though they'll still need people on the ground to learn about the importance of the places." The Chief of Staff said.

"That's true." The President said. "I do admit my surprise when the Americans vetoed China's resolution in the UN Security Council."

"It's the Chinese, sir. The effects of the US-Chinese trade war really has not been forgotten by both parties." The Chief of Staff said.

"That's right." The President responded. "Hey, can you do me a favor get me a hamburger from the McDonalds across the street?"

The Chief of Staff rolled his eyes internally and simply said, "Yes sir."

Zhongnanhai, Beijing, People's Republic of China.

"This Veil is a really big opportunity, Mr. President." The Chinese President's aide said.

"Indeed. It's a shame that this Veil opened inside Indian territorial waters . Think about how many resources we could get our hands on. Our economic growth did take a hit following our trade war with the Americans. Now, they are even supporting India's act of war on the other side." The Chinese President said. "How about we increase our tariffs on Indian imports?"

"Sir, they will simply retaliate with higher tariffs on our imports. We can't even threaten military action, as the fact that India is ranked 7th in the ranking for the strongest Naval forces . India can simultaneously deal with our air force and Pakistan's air force at the same time . Furthermore, many of our oil imports goes through the Indian Ocean and it will be raided by the Indian Navy." The aide explained.

"Indeed. For now, have our people from the intelligence agency in the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi increase all intelligence gathering. I want to know everything happening over there." The President ordered.

"Of course, Mr. President."

Somewhere in Midway

Khatri cant believe what his ears were hearing.

" You...you...mean to say that..." Pointing his fingers at her " You are INS Viraat , my home base ."

" I know its...hard to believe but thats the truth."

She shook her head at his disbelief.Seriously , he just saw her turning into one.

" But...Viraat is an Aircraft Carrier...and you are a human."

" Even...i am surprised by this fact.."

" I just cant beleive this.."

' Maybe she is an imposter ' he thought before he heard her saying something aloud.

" Squadron leader Abhishek Khatri , Joined Indian Navy on 25th June 2003 . Came aboard INS Viraat on 31st April 2004 , as Squadron leader of infamous INAS 300 aka White Tigers "

She then turned his face towards him

" You always loved to stare at the ocean wondering when all these useless conflict will end . When all of us will go home and meet our family . "

He stopped on his tracks. How the hell she knew that.

" You ended up with a quarrel with Officer Rajesh Chadda because he tried to insult me . He did mentioned how i am just a piece of junk and deserved to be scrapped at Alang only for you to slam your fist on his face "

That fact surprised her. He never told anyone why he broke his sorry face.

" Thats... impossible...it...cant..be.."

She then grabbed his hand and placed something on his palm.That shocked her.

That his locket. He accidentally left in his crew quaters before his final sortie when he...

Opening his locket , were the photos of his family.

That brought tears on his face.

His family .

He was the only support to his family , when his dad died onboard Vikrant.

How worried must be his mother and his little brother.

All of them alone.No one to take care.

" You left it aboard me before your final sortie , 6 years ago "

Wait what...

" Wait...six years ago...but i came just a day ago here."

" Time runs different here.."

" That means..."

" You been declared Missing in Action by the Navy..and your services were awarded to your family."

He couldn't bear the fact that he was dead to his family.She turned his face towards her , sadness on her face .

She hugged him.

" SShhh...its allright..." She held him tightly , comforting him.

" My... family..." He cried on her shoulder , holding her as tight as he could " I.."

" I...know.." She whispered in his ear " I make sure you get to see them."

He couldn't believe his ears.

" Really...You..can."

" Yes. " She brought his face in front of hers "Its a promise.."

" Are...are you.. really...my ...' V '.." He hesitated to ask , tears still on his face.

" Yes , you stupid... didn't everything turned your tubelights in your brain." She said smiling at him. " Now , dont be a crybaby and get on your feet.. mate ... "

Wiping his tears , he smiled at her.

" Yes...yes ma'am " Abhishek saluted at her. " Squadron leader Abhishek Khatri ..., reporting... for duty , Ma'am ."

" I...I can't hear you ...Jawan...joor se bolo "

" Squadron leader Abhishek Khatri , reporting for duty."

" Who are we..."

" We are White Tigers..."

" Louder. My grandma can whisper louder than this"

" We Are WHITE TIGERS..."

" What do we do..."

" Kick arse.."

" No conviction..."

" WE...KICK ...ARSE.."

Both of them stared at each other before bursting out with laughter on their face.It were months since he had a good laugh.