Next morning.
KMA main building,
11:00 hours
Rajveer was making his way to his first class of the day when he heard Naina's voice calling out to him from behind. He turned around, a bright smile spreading across his face as he greeted his girlfriend. "Good morning, Cadet Campbell!" he exclaimed, his voice carrying a hint of playful affection.
"Good morning. I really need to speak with you, just for a few minutes... in complete privacy," she insisted, a touch of urgency in her tone.
Rajveer glanced around their surroundings and noticed they were conveniently positioned near a staircase. Seizing the moment, he gently took hold of her hand and swiftly guided Naina beneath the staircase, leaving her pleasantly surprised. Once they were concealed from view, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his words barely audible against the curve of her neck. "Mmm... I missed you," he murmured, relishing the closeness.
Naina couldn't help but giggle, reciprocating the embrace. "But I was with you all night. In fact, I lovingly caressed your hair the entire time because I know how much you enjoy it. How could you possibly miss me during the few hours we didn't see each other?" she playfully teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Rajveer leaned back slightly, wearing a mock pout on his face as he remarked, "Ah, my love, you have no sense of romance!"
Her laughter grew, thoroughly entertained by his comment, as the affection between them flourished. Naina playfully swatted Rajveer's arm, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Oh, really?! And what do you suggest, Mr. Romantic?" she challenged, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
Rajveer's eyes sparkled as he embraced the playful banter. He took a step closer, closing the distance between them, his voice low and filled with warmth. "Well, my dear, I believe a true romantic knows how to sweep his lady off her feet with a dance."
Naina raised an eyebrow, feigning skepticism. "A dance? Right here, right now?" she questioned, glancing around at the secluded space beneath the staircase.
Rajveer grinned, his confidence unwavering. "Why not? The world may be bustling around us, but when we're in each other's arms, time and place cease to matter," he declared dramatically, extending his hand toward her.
She chuckled, but placed her hand in his, her touch gentle yet filled with anticipation. "Lead the way, my charming dance partner," she replied, her voice softening with affection.
As if transported to their own private ballroom, Rajveer expertly guided Naina in a graceful waltz beneath the hidden sanctuary of the staircase. Their movements were synchronized, a dance of love and trust. The world around them faded into the background, leaving only the enchantment of their embrace. With every twirl and dip, their muted laughter echoed in the secluded space, intermingling with the shared joy of their connection. In that moment, they were the only two souls existing in a universe made solely for their love.
As the dance came to a close, they stood in each other's arms, their breathing slightly quickened, their gazes locked. Rajveer brushed a strand of hair from Naina's face, his touch tender. "You see, my love, romance can be found in the simplest moments. It's the magic we create together," he whispered, his voice filled with adoration.
Naina leaned in, her lips gently brushing against his. "And with you, every moment feels like a fairytale," she murmured, their love blossoming in that stolen, hidden space beneath the staircase.
With a gentle, almost imperceptible movement, Naina closed the remaining distance between them, her eyes fluttering closed. Rajveer's hand instinctively found its place on the small of her back, drawing her closer, his touch both tender and possessive. Their lips met in a soft, sweet kiss, a testament to the depth of their connection and the unspoken promises they shared. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in that stolen moment beneath the staircase. It was a kiss that spoke of devotion, of trust, and of an unbreakable bond that transcended any challenge they might face.
When they finally pulled apart, their breaths mingling, their foreheads rested gently against each other. Their eyes met once again, silently communicating the reassurance and strength they drew from each other's presence.
While still immersed in the enchanting aftermath of their spontaneous dance and tender kiss, Naina was struck by a sudden realization. She hadn't sought out Rajveer solely for romantic reasons; she had an urgent matter to discuss. With utmost care, she disengaged herself from Rajveer's embrace, her expression shifting from bliss to a mix of seriousness and apprehension.
"Rajveer sir," she began, her voice filled with urgency, "I... I need to tell you something important. Something happened yesterday afternoon."
Rajveer's brows furrowed, his eyes reflecting her seriousness. "What is it, Naina? You look troubled. Tell me."
Taking a deep breath, Naina recounted the details of the suspicious phone call Yudi and Ali had overheard earlier. Her words spilled out rapidly, painting a picture of their encounter with Major Nair and the cryptic conversation they had unintentionally eavesdropped on. She also informed him of what She and her friends had decided to do.
"The conversation they overheard was not entirely clear, but it seemed Major Nair was engaged in a matter concerning the KMA armory. While such a topic alone may not have been suspicious, the manner in which he spoke heightened their unease. According to Yudi and Ali, he deliberately lowered his voice and scanned his surroundings, ensuring no one was nearby," she elaborated, her voice reflecting deep concern.
"That is suspicious." Rajveer stated thoughtfully.
"There's something else," Naina uttered hesitantly, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.
Observing her hesitant demeanor, Rajveer probed, "What is it? You can tell me."
"During Col. Handa's interrogation, he mentioned that Major Nair was an insider for Eagle's weapon trafficking operation. However, I haven't been able to find any concrete evidence to support his claim. Additionally, he mentioned that Naveen Bhaiya possessed knowledge of this and concealed proof in a red-colored box or something of that sort," she whispered, her words muffled as she kept a vigilant ear on their surroundings, cautious of prying ears.
Rajveer's expression turned grave as he absorbed the weight of Naina's revelations. He clasped her hands firmly, providing a grounding reassurance. "Naina, this is significant! It opens up numerous leads for us to pursue. Inform the rest of your group to meet me in my room during the lunch break. I'll reach out to Colonel Shakti," he assured her, his voice laced with determination.
Nodding resolutely, Naina's eyes gleamed with determination. "We will be there in your room on time," she affirmed.
Rajveer's grip tightened slightly around her hands, his voice resonating with unwavering resolve. "Together, Naina, we will investigate this matter. We will discreetly gather any information we can and report it to the appropriate authorities. Major Nair won't escape if he's involved in anything as Col. Handa claimed. And if he bears any responsibility for Naveen's condition, he will face grave consequences," he vowed, his determination resolute.
A small, appreciative smile graced Naina's lips as she spoke, her admiration shining through. "That's one of the reasons I love you. Your disdain for those individuals mirrors my own... the ones who have caused harm to my dear Naveen Bhaiya," she expressed, her voice filled with a mix of affection and determination.
Rajveer gave her an answering smile and dropped a kiss on her forehead before they separated and went their own way.
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Rajveer returned to his room after finishing taking his classes for the morning. He was pacing around the room as he started processing the information Naina gave him. Suddenly, something she said light the light bulb in his head. "What was she saying about a 'red color box'? Col. Handa told her Naveen hid the proof in it. But what red color box?" he started thinking harder. "I think if I could see the interrogation video of Col. Handa then I would have a much clear idea." he thought to himself.
Rajveer's phone interrupted the silence with an incoming call. Glancing at the screen, he noticed that it was Col. Shakti reaching out to him. With a concerned tone, Col. Shakti relayed the news that although there were several other candidates in consideration, the higher authorities had made a sudden decision to appoint Captain Gunraj Singh Randhawa, a former undercover officer, as the new faculty member of KMA.
With this abrupt appointment, Col. Shakti expressed his reservations about Captain Gunraj and urged Rajveer to remain vigilant and keep a close watch on him. The Colonel's suspicions were fueled by the fact that the Captain's previous location and work history had been concealed by the higher authorities, raising questions about his true intentions and background.
"Don't worry, sir. I'll be careful," he assured his commandant officer.
"I'm trusting you, Captain," Col. Shakti said before hanging up.
... - ...
With an amused smile, Naina observed her friends' playful banter, finding their daily bickering to be a delightful source of entertainment for her, Alekh, and Ali. However, her attention swiftly shifted when the distant sound of a jeep approaching KMA caught her ears. Politely excusing herself, she made her way towards the academy's entrance, curious about the arrival. Positioning herself at a vantage point, Naina attentively watched as an army jeep smoothly entered the academy grounds, finding its place in the parking lot. Her eyes remained fixed on the scene, eager to uncover the purpose behind this unexpected arrival.
A captivating and charismatic looking army officer stepped out of the army jeep. Clad in a casual outfit that accentuated his well-built physique, he commanded attention. With an effortless sense of style, he coolly removed his sunglasses, revealing a pair of piercing eyes that seemed to hold a magnetic charm. As he surveyed his surroundings, a faint frown appeared on his face, adding an intriguing layer of intensity to his already captivating presence. The combination of his stern expression and the underlying hint of anger gave rise to an unexpected allure, making his angry look appear mysteriously attractive.
"He's good looking but not as good looking as my Rajveer sir. Rajveer sir is too..." Just the thought of her Rajveer sir sent her drifting away into her own world of adoration, leaving her lost in the enchantment of Rajveer-land.
"While I would LOVE to drool over our mate any other time, I thought finding out who this new guy was more important at moment." Her vampire side reminded her as she facepalmed herself.
Blinking to refocus, Naina snapped back to reality, realizing her momentary lapse. "Right. I forgot." she murmured to herself sheepishly before following that man's scent.
... - ...
Rajveer took the initiative to arrange lunch for his beloved six cadets. Contemplating their preferences, he decided, "I believe I'll treat them to Chinese cuisine. It would be a delightful change from Suriji's monotonous meals they have to endure every day." Whispering to himself, he solidified his choice before proceeding to place the order and dispatching Chaubey to collect the food.
As he closed the door to his room, Rajveer's phone unexpectedly began to ring, revealing an incoming call from Thomas. A smile instinctively graced his face, reminiscing about how things had changed since Naina entered his life. Previously, his phone solely received official calls, but now he had a girlfriend and a family who reached out to him. Ever since their vacation with the Campbell family, Rajveer had been receiving numerous calls from Natasha, William, Jeremy, and even the usually strict Thomas. Sometimes the calls were for essential information, but most of the time they were brief chats or inquiries about his day. They would also reach out to him if they were unable to reach Naina on her phone.
"Hey, Tom!" Rajveer greeted warmly, acknowledging his presence.
"Rajveer, as promised to Naina, I have arranged for an officer to join your academy," Tom informed him. "He is under my command, so you can have full confidence in him. Not only will he assist you with your investigation, but he will also provide valuable support in other areas."
Rajveer expressed his appreciation, conveying his gratitude to Tom. "That's fantastic news. I'm truly thankful for your assistance, Tom," he said sincerely. Eager to learn more, he pressed on, "Could you please provide me with additional details about him? I'm curious to know more about this officer who will be joining us."
"His name is Captain Gunraj Singh Randhawa, and he previously served as a covert operative responsible for discreetly eliminating the country's adversaries. However, he eventually uncovered the disturbing truth that he was being manipulated into eliminating innocent individuals instead. It was during this time that I encountered him and helped him escape from his predicament. After that, he resumed his duties and was stationed in Kashmir until recently. When Naina told me to find a good faculty for this academy, I knew he was the one. So, I arranged for him to get appointed at KMA." Thomas informed him.
"Thanks a lot, Tom."
"Hmm... have a good day then. Bye." and he hung up.
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"Welcome to the academy, Captain Randhawa," BC greeted the young captain.
"Thank you, sir. Please feel free to call me 'Gunny,' sir."
"Very well, Captain Gunny it is. Orderly, bring Captain Shikhawat here," BC commanded, then shifted his attention to Gunny. "From this point onward, you will be responsible for instructing the cadets in guerrilla warfare."
"Understood, sir," Gunny responded with a composed demeanor.
Continuing their discussion on the curriculum, BC and Gunny were interrupted by a knock on the door. They turned their attention to the doorway, where Rajveer stood. "May I come in, sir?" he requested permission.
"Certainly, Captain. Please come in. Meet Captain Gunraj Singh Randhawa, also known as Gunny. He will be joining our faculty starting today and will be responsible for teaching the cadets guerrilla warfare. He will also serve as a drill commandant officer alongside Major Nair and you," BC introduced. "And Captain Gunny, this is Captain Rajveer Singh Shikhawat. He instructs strategy and communication and is also a drill commandant officer."
"Hello, Captain Shikhawat. It's a pleasure to meet you," Gunny greeted as he shook hands with Rajveer.
"The pleasure is mine, and please call me 'Rajveer'," Rajveer replied with a warm smile.
Gunny responded with a formal smile. "Very well, then. Call me 'Gunny'," he replied.
"Captain Rajveer, I have assigned him the room next to yours. Please give him a tour," BC ordered.
"Absolutely. Come, Gunny. Let me show you around and introduce you to everyone," Rajveer said, excusing himself and Gunny from BC's cabin. They made their way out of BC's office.
Rajveer contemplated whether he should inform Gunny that he was aware of Thomas's involvement in his appointment, but he decided it would be better to discuss it privately later. First, Rajveer led Gunny to his room, where he could settle in and store his belongings. Suriji, who was responsible for maintaining the faculty hallway, had already cleaned and prepared the room. Suriji greeted them warmly as they arrived. Rajveer introduced Suriji as the person in charge of the mess hall and the boys' hostel. Once Gunny had placed his bags in the room, Rajveer proceeded to guide him to the faculty common room. Inside the common room, Rajveer introduced Gunny to Major Nair, Dr. Capt. Shalini, and S.M. Lolita, acquainting him with his fellow faculty members. Rajveer then proceeded to show Gunny the training grounds, providing him with a tour of the various classrooms and their locations.
As lunchtime approached, Rajveer suggested to Gunny, "Gunny, why don't you join me for lunch in my room? We can have a more private conversation there."
"In your room? I thought everyone ate at the mess," Gunny responded with a perplexed expression.
"I'm treating my favorite six cadets today, so I arranged lunch in my room. I would be delighted if you could join us. It'll give you an opportunity to get to know your cadets as well," Rajveer explained.
"Alright, I suppose," Gunny agreed with a nonchalant shrug.
"Let's go then," Rajveer said, and they proceeded to his room. Rajveer offered Gunny a cup of coffee, which Gunny accepted. Settling down on the couch, they began conversing about their previous assignments and postings.
"I hope you don't mind if I ask... Thomas contacted me earlier and informed me about your arrival. He shared some details about your background. How did you end up getting involved with those individuals?" Rajveer asked, his curiosity evident.
Gunny regarded Rajveer with a pensive expression before leaning forward and posing his own question, "Before I answer that, why don't you tell me how you know Mr. Campbell?"
Rajveer blushed and let out a small chuckle. "Well... I'm actually dating his younger sister," he replied.
Gunny, under the impression that Rajveer may have been affiliated with Thomas, was taken aback by his unexpected response. Surprised by the revelation, Gunny blinked and instinctively leaned back slightly. "Ah, now I understand why he insisted on sending me here with such urgency," he commented with a knowing smirk.
Rajveer blushed even more deeply in response to Gunny's remark. "They can be quite protective. Sometimes they forget that I am a trained army officer," he stated with a warm smile.
Gunny concealed a smile of amusement behind his coffee cup. Taking a sip, he began recounting his past struggles to Rajveer. "I sustained injuries in a bomb blast, and when I regained consciousness, my commanding officer informed me that I had been in a coma for the past two months. Since everyone believed that no one survived the explosion, my family also assumed I had perished. At that time, my senior officer presented me with a choice. He offered me the opportunity to resume my previous life or to serve our country from behind the scenes. Considering it an honor to serve my nation, I agreed to the latter. They kept me hidden and provided me with information regarding individuals I was tasked to eliminate. However, I was never given any details regarding the reasons behind their elimination. Two years went by in this manner until one fateful day when I was instructed to eliminate someone I personally knew. It was then that I began to grow suspicious of their true motives, as I knew this individual would never betray our country. I rebelled against their orders, and they attempted to eliminate me. Fortunately, Thomas intervened and saved my life. Since that incident, I have remained actively engaged in my duty, while also assisting Thomas with any support he requires," he explained.
Rajveer felt a deep sense of admiration for Gunny. The unwavering dedication Gunny displayed towards their country resonated strongly with Rajveer's own commitment. Gunny's love for their nation permeated every aspect of his life, much like Rajveer himself. Patriotism was not just a mere word to either of them; it served as the foundation of their purpose and propelled their actions forward. Having personally experienced the repercussions of betrayal and manipulation, Gunny comprehended the significance of loyalty and the grave consequences that could arise from misplaced trust.
"I find it utterly unfathomable how anyone could betray our country despite having made a solemn vow to protect it. Those individuals are the ones I hold the greatest contempt for," Rajveer expressed, his disgust evident in his tone. "As members of the military forces, we took an oath to dedicate our lives to the betterment of our nation. We hold our duty and loyalty to our country in the highest regard. It's disheartening to witness those who disregard their commitments and jeopardize the values we hold dear." Gunny nodded in agreement as Rajveer expressed his anger, understanding the intensity of his emotions.
A voice spoke from the doorway, stating, "There is nothing more vulnerable than the human mind when faced with the allure of money." The person continued, observing Rajveer's expression and adding, sympathetically, "And it seems that this is not the answer you were hoping to hear."
Gunny furrowed his brow, feeling unsettled by the intrusion of the girl dressed in a cadet's uniform. He was about to reprimand her when Rajveer intervened.
"You're absolutely right, Naina. It's simply incomprehensible," Rajveer acknowledged with a melancholic smile.
Naina entered the room, returning Rajveer's smile before turning her attention to Gunny. "Welcome to the academy, sir. It's a pleasure to meet you," she greeted him courteously.
"Hmm." Gunny responded sternly. "Cadet don't you think you're a little undisciplined? Why didn't you know before entering this room?' he asked narrowing his eyes.
Naina's smile widened as she asserted, "I am prepared to tear down any obstacle that stands between me and my soulmate. So, why should I bother knocking on an open door when I can effortlessly enter?" Her nonchalant shrug reflected her possessive determination towards Rajveer.
Rajveer, accustomed to Naina's possessive nature, simply smiled at her statement and embraced her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Gunny blinked in surprise at the gesture, momentarily taken aback. Recognizing the possible misinterpretation, Rajveer pulled Naina closer in a friendly bear hug, wearing a wide smile. "Gunny, allow me to introduce you properly. This is Cadet Naina Campbell, the finest cadet of the second year, my protégé, and my girlfriend," Rajveer introduced, emphasizing their relationship.
As Gunny connected the dots, he realized, "Naina... Campbell? Ah, so you're Mr. Campbell's younger sister, the one Captain Rajveer is dating. I'm Captain Gunny," He extended his hand to shake Naina's, but his frown deepened slightly as he noticed that, like Thomas, Naina's hand was firm and cold, akin to an icicle.
"Yes, sir. There's one thing you should be aware of," Naina declared, her voice filled with intensity. "Since you have a personal connection with my brother, you know just how dangerous he can be. But if you ever betray Rajveer or break his trust, Thomas Campbell will seem like a harmless teddy bear compared to what I will do to you," she openly threatened, glaring directly at Gunny.
Rajveer's eyes widened in surprise at Naina's strong statement. "Love, please calm down," he urged gently, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. "Gunny understands the value of loyalty and the repercussions of misplaced trust. He has personally experienced the consequences of betrayal and manipulation, and I have complete faith that he would never inflict the same upon someone else," Rajveer assured Naina, speaking on Gunny's behalf.
Gunny's eyes widened in astonishment, caught off guard by the immense trust Rajveer had placed in him. They had only known each other for a little over an hour, yet Rajveer displayed such unwavering faith. Gunny struggled to conceal the emotions welling up within him, grateful that Rajveer's attention was directed towards Naina.
Meanwhile, Naina stared at Rajveer, her eyebrows raised inquisitively. She was about to voice her opinion on the matter, suggesting that complete trust was rare, but Rajveer swiftly changed the topic, diverting her attention elsewhere. "Where are the rest of your group? The lunch will be here any moment now." Rajveer inquired.
"Lunch has already arrived while you were giving Gunny sir the tour. Chaubey let me know when he couldn't find you. I've unpacked everything and it's ready to be served," Naina reassured him with a smile. "And five of your super six are on their way," she added, her smile widening.
Rajveer's heart swelled with love and affection for Naina in that moment. He adored how attentively she took care of everything for him. If Gunny wasn't present, he would have kissed her right then and there. Naina understood the affection in his gaze and, feeling bashful, stepped out of his embrace, discreetly clearing her throat. If she were human, she would surely be blushing.
"I'll... um... go check on the kitchen," she stammered, quickly making her way out of the room.
"Captain? Does BC know that you've been involved with one of the cadets?" Gunny teased, a mischievous smirk on his face. He had witnessed the entire interaction up until now.
"Yeah, everyone knows. Why do you ask?" Rajveer inquired, puzzled by Gunny's question.
"Of course, everyone knows. There's no hiding it. Your face reveals just how deeply you love her and how much you want to kiss her," Gunny playfully taunted, his smirk widening.
Finally realizing his actions, Rajveer's face turned beet red and he began to stammer. "N-No, I don't openly display my affection like that!" he protested. "It's just... you see, I grew up as an orphan. From childhood, I only had my Godfather to rely on, but he mainly provided financial support while I lived in boarding schools and colleges. When Naina came into my life, it was like a burst of sunlight. Now that she's a part of me and I'm a part of her, I find it hard to control my overflowing love and affection for her. It's the little things she does for me, her care and her rightful scolding that make me feel so deeply connected to her. For the first time, I truly understand what it means to have a family. When I was a cadet in this academy, my best friend Naveen was my family, but after his passing... it felt like I had lost my entire family once again. So, Naina's presence in my life is nothing short of a blessing," he explained with a mix of vulnerability and gratitude.
Gunny's face lit up with a smile as he listened to Rajveer's heartfelt explanation. He could empathize with Rajveer's sentiments and could also sense the reciprocation of feelings from Cadet Naina. Her fierce protective stance towards Rajveer was a testament to her love for him. In that moment, Gunny's thoughts took a sudden turn as a realization struck him. He couldn't contain his curiosity and promptly asked, "Naveen? Are you referring to Captain Naveen Singh Ahluwalia, a graduate from KMA?"
Rajveer's eyebrows furrowed in surprise as he replied, "Yes, that's him. Why do you ask?"
A sense of urgency filled Gunny's voice as he disclosed, "I had the privilege of knowing Naveen personally. As a matter of fact, we served together in Rajasthan. It was during my next posting that I sustained injuries in that bomb blast."
The gravity of Gunny's revelation struck Rajveer, leaving him momentarily speechless. The connection between Gunny and Naveen was unexpected yet profound.
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A/N:::