That afternoon, Suri ji informed all the cadets about the upcoming Republic Day celebration. He instructed them to complete the invitation forms so that the academy could invite their families. Naina and Huda were assigned the responsibility of the march past and evening entertainment, Alekh was in charge of food arrangements for both lunch and dinner, Pooja was responsible for lodging and boarding arrangements for the visiting families, while Yudi and Ali were given the task of decorations and lunch agreements. They had only one day to complete all the tasks.

That night, at the mess, BC and Colonel Shakti joined the other faculty members at one of the larger tables. The cadets chatted excitedly among themselves, looking forward to the next day's celebration. The atmosphere was cheerful. During dinner, a sudden siren began to ring, prompting Rajveer to quickly leave his seat and rush out of the mess. Colonel Shakti and BC followed closely behind after instructing the others to remain in their places.

Naina and her group realized that this was the moment when Dr. Ritu had planned to steal something. They anxiously waited, holding their breath, for the return of Rajveer, BC, and Colonel Chandra. Half an hour later, Naina could hear their heartbeats approaching the academy building. From their conversation, she gathered that Ritu's attempt to steal the triggers had been unsuccessful. Naina breathed a sigh of relief.

Upon their return, BC reassured everyone that the sirens had been triggered by a stray cat that had gotten tangled in the security wires. Naina noticed that nobody had realized Dr. Ritu's absence from the mess during this whole incident. She exchanged a meaningful look with her group, and all five of them nodded in agreement. Yes, they had also noticed.

Rajveer had been observing his unusually quiet girlfriend since their return, and he noticed the exchanged look between Naina and her friends. He sighed, sensing that his "super six" were up to something mischievous. Knowing Naina would never betray her friends, he decided to confront all of them together.

... - ...

Next day [Republic day]
KMA reception area

All the cadets gathered in the reception area of KMA, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their families. Naina and Alekh leaned against the reception desk, finding amusement in Yudi's complaints. He was whining about not receiving the new laptop he had asked his father for. Huda and Pooja engaged in a friendly argument about whose parents would arrive first, while Ali paced back and forth, eagerly anticipating his family's arrival. Huda then made a bet, claiming that his mother would be the first to arrive. The rest of their group eagerly accepted the bet, as Huda had promised each of them Rs. 5000 if he lost.

Finally, their wait came to an end as they heard the sound of a car approaching the main academy building. Everyone straightened up and leaned forward, trying to catch a glimpse of whose family had arrived. A couple stepped out of the car, and the multiple cell phones they carried made it clear whose parents they were.

Naina, Alekh, Ali, Yudi, and Pooja surrounded Huda, their open palms extended with grins on their faces. Huda grumbled quietly but handed them his wallet, seeking forgiveness. Pooja asked Naina to hold onto her share of the money and hurried ahead to greet her parents. Alekh distributed the money among the group and then handed Huda his empty wallet back with a triumphant smile.

Amidst happy squeals, playful scolding, and pampering, they made their way towards the academy building. Pooja proudly introduced her friends to her parents. The S6 group gathered around them, showering Pooja with praise, which made her parents feel immensely proud of her.

"Pooja puttar, there are so many handsome handsets here. Didn't you connect your network to any of them?" her mother asked at one point.

"Hello, uncle! Hello, Ma'am! I'm Ali Baig. Pooja ji connected her network with me. We want to have a life long connection if you have no objection with it." Ali stepped forward, his cheeks flushed but filled with courage. Naina's earlier words echoed in his mind, reminding him that he needed to face life's challenges head-on if he wanted to handle real battles.

Alekh gave Ali a gentle push, causing him to bend down and touch Pooja's parents' feet. Impressed by his respectful gesture and bravery, they blessed him, saying, "God bless you, son! May your network always remain stable!" Ali looked wide-eyed at their unexpected blessing, while the rest of the group suppressed their laughter, hiding their amused expressions.

Pooja led her parents inside before rejoining her group. They were all eager to properly meet each other's families. With excitement, she hugged Ali and expressed how proud she was of him for taking the initiative to introduce her parents to their relationship. Ali responded with a shy smile.

A few minutes later, Ali's family arrived. Last time his parents had come, they had been disappointed with him, so he hoped they would be more accepting now. When Ali went to greet them, his parents looked at him with pride, bringing him a sense of relief. He noticed that all five of his sisters had also arrived with his parents, filling him with joy.

Ali proudly introduced his friends to his parents. He genuinely wanted his parents to like his friends. Just like with Pooja's parents, the S6 group gathered around Ali's parents, showering him with praise. Pooja clarified that the mistake in their previous encounter was hers, but Ali, being a gentleman, took the blame for her. This revelation brought happiness to his parents. Without delay, Pooja respectfully touched their feet and expressed that Ali and she loved each other, seeking their blessings for a long life together. Ali's parents were initially taken aback by her straightforwardness, exchanging a silent glance. Ali's father then asked Pooja if her parents were aware of their relationship. Ali replied that he had just informed them a few minutes ago. His parents realized from his reaction that Ali and Pooja were serious about each other. They expressed their desire to speak with Pooja's parents about this matter. Delighted, Ali led them inside and ensured their comfort before rejoining the group.

Following that, Huda's mother arrived. Huda stood tall and proud as he introduced his friends to her. S6 praised him, but they also playfully complained about his tendency to spend too much time flirting with female cadets instead of focusing on his studies. Huda's mother scolded him and pulled his ears, causing the group to snicker while Huda protested. Alekh and Naina then reassured his mother that although Huda could be mischievous, he had a pure heart and had the potential to become one of the best army officers in the future. This touched both Huda and his mother, and they became emotional. Huda's mother expressed her gratitude to everyone for being his friends and guiding him on the right path. Huda then escorted his mother inside to settle her before rejoining the group.

Next, Yudi's parents arrived. Their disapproving expressions made it clear that they were not fond of their son being in the army, preferring a safer career path for him. Despite this, S6 made every effort to change their minds by praising Yudi's abilities. They highlighted how well he was performing and emphasized that he was one of the top cadets in their batch. However, Yudi's parents remained unconvinced and tried to persuade him to reconsider his career choice. In response, Yudi firmly stated that being an army officer was the only career that would satisfy his soul, as he considered himself fortunate to serve their motherland. He then accompanied his parents inside to settle them before returning.

"I have a feeling that even if I become a Brigadier like Brigadier Chandok, my parents will still try to change my career," Yudi commented, eliciting chuckles from the rest.

"They do it because they love you deeply," Naina reassured him, patting his shoulder.

"Exactly. While you forge ahead in your career, remember that your parents' love, concern, and support will always be with you," Pooja added with a smile.

"Thanks, guys. So, whose family is left?" Yudi asked, clapping his hands.

"Mine and Alekh's," Naina replied with a shrug. "They're always fashionably late," she added with a sigh.

Suddenly, two black Rolls Royce Phantoms pulled up in front of the Academy's main building. Naina immediately recognized the scents and knew it was her family's cars. Utilizing her power of illusion, she discreetly concealed her family's presence. "You can come out now," she whispered in a barely audible tone that only her supernatural abilities could produce.

In a synchronized manner, the car doors swung open simultaneously. William gracefully emerged from the first car, adjusting his suit jacket before extending a hand to assist Natasha. Thomas followed suit, stepping out of the second car and tidying his own jacket. Jeremy, the last to exit, also adjusted his coat. They surveyed their surroundings briefly before making their way towards the academy building.

The rest of the group, aside from Alekh and Naina, stood in awe, their jaws hanging open. Although they had grown accustomed to Naina's exceptional appearance, they had overlooked it in their familiarity. To them, she was simply one of their closest friends. However, the sight of these four individuals stunned them. They had never encountered such breathtaking beauty all in one place before. It felt as though divine beings of elegance and allure had descended upon the earth for a stroll.

"Hey, guys!" Naina exclaimed, rushing up to them with a wide grin.

William enveloped her in a tight hug. "My sweet baby girl! How are you?" he asked affectionately.

Natasha embraced Alekh warmly and greeted him, saying, "Hey, sweetie! How have you been?"

Naina and Alekh pulled back from the embrace simultaneously and responded in unison, "I'm good!" They exchanged a glance and burst into laughter before switching places to greet the other parent.

After Natasha finished doting on her daughter, Naina turned her attention to her brother and his partner. As she looked into Thomas's eyes, a wave of emotions washed over her, and she felt on the verge of tears. This was the same place where her biological older brother, Naveen, had proudly introduced their parents to the army life. And now, Naina was about to do the same, but with her chosen family.

Thomas sensed her unspoken grief and pulled her into a tight hug. This little girl was his child... His to care for and his to protect. He vowed to eliminate anyone or anything that caused her sadness from their lives. "How are you holding up? You said your mate knows about that guy's ending? How did he react?" he asked, expressing concern for his newly born vampire child.

Naina smiled against his chest, finding comfort in his embrace. "I'm good, Tommy. He was concerned... for me. He started worrying about the consequences if those people were to find out about this." She whispered softly before pulling back. "And how are you, Tommy? Still hitting the gym, I see, my dear beer brother!" she teased, her tone light-hearted.

"Still my loving, annoying brat, I see," Thomas replied with an equally teasing tone.

Alekh had moved towards Jeremy by then and greeted him with a warm hug. Pulling back, he asked, "Bhai, do these two always act like this? One moment they are like a father and daughter, and the next moment, they're pulling each other's legs like siblings."

Jeremy chuckled and nodded. "Yeah," he replied with a smile. "Nainu, my dear, stop teasing your brother and come greet me. We also want to meet your friends," he playfully reminded her.

Grinning mischievously, Naina went over to Jeremy while Thomas pulled Alekh into a tight hug. "You doing okay, kiddo?" Thomas inquired with genuine concern.

"Yes, Bhai. All good," Alekh replied, touched by the warm affection he received from his newfound family. They made him feel like he had always been a part of their family, embracing him without any reservations.

"Come, let's introduce you to the rest of our gang," Naina eagerly exclaimed, tugging at their arms. Alekh nodded in agreement.

Approaching their group of friends, Naina pointed at each of them and started introducing. "Guys, this is Pooja Ghai, my roommate and best friend. She has a unique talent for speaking in mobile language, which makes her quite special," she stated with a proud smile.

"Hello, everyone. I'm glad to have my network connected to yours," Pooja greeted in her usual charismatic style.

"Hello, dear. Nice to meet you," Natasha responded with a kind and affectionate smile.

"It is good to have a face to match the name now. That guy was a complete idiot to ditch you like that," William remarked with a warm smile.

"Don't waste your time on losers like that guy, kid. Move on," Thomas advised in a stern but caring tone.

"Hey, Pooja. Looking good. Army life suits you," Jeremy complimented her with a smile. "So, I heard you and Ali are dating now?" he playfully teased.

Pooja grinned while Ali blushed in response. "Yes, Jeremy Bhai. He's my Ranjha now," Pooja confidently declared, holding onto Ali's arm. Their friends laughed at their playful banter.

"And this shy guy here is Ali Baig. He's one of our smartest and most disciplined friends. He's so rule-abiding that we nicknamed him 'Usool'. We know for a fact that he will end up being one of the best soldiers in the Indian Army," Alekh introduced proudly.

"If any of us are in a dilemma with our studies, he's the person to go to. He's loyal, honest, and most importantly, a true gentleman. Pooja and Ali are dating, and they are serious about their relationship," Naina added, beaming with pride.

Ali, feeling overwhelmed by their praise, could only manage to salute the Campbell family while blushing like a ripe tomato.

"Aww... he's such a kind-hearted young man!" Natasha exclaimed, her voice filled with affection. "May God bless you, my dear," she added warmly.

"If our children's praises are to be believed, then we all have high hopes for your promising future, son. Wishing you the best of luck," William said with a gentle smile, wrapping his arm around Natasha.

"Best of luck," Thomas nodded, offering his support. Jeremy smiled kindly at Ali and extended his well wishes as well.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, I'm Huda," he introduced himself, flashing a flirtatious smile. "Mrs. Campbell, it's evident where Naina inherited her striking looks from," he added playfully.

Natasha Campbell embodied ethereal beauty, draped in a vibrant saree that flowed around her like liquid silk. The fabric accentuated her curves, showcasing a figure that appeared divinely sculpted. Her radiant face boasted delicate features that seemed almost otherworldly. Her high cheekbones and full lips were perfectly balanced, while her almond-shaped reddish-brown eyes sparkled with an inner light. Despite her age, she possessed a timeless quality, as if she had been blessed with eternal youth. Her flawless skin exuded a natural glow, a testament to a life of health and vitality. The intricately embroidered saree she wore was a masterpiece, featuring bold colors that beautifully complemented her allure. Every movement she made exuded a graceful fluidity, as if each step had been meticulously choreographed. Her brown hair cascaded in loose waves down her back, resembling a waterfall, the envy of other women and captivating men.

Natasha cast a bemused glance at Huda, while William raised an eyebrow at his comment.

"This is Huda, our resident charmer. Don't pay him any mind, Dad. He flirts with anything female, though he swears he would NEVER flirt with female buffalos as he considers them his sisters," Naina informed her family with an air of seriousness. Alekh burst into laughter as Huda gaped in astonishment at Naina's remark.

"Phoolan yaar!" Huda whined, "Why are you ruining my image?" he playfully complained.

Thomas couldn't help but conceal his amused smirk, while Jeremy facepalmed.

"Then stop flirting with our mother," Alekh firmly told him.

Natasha cooed at his remark and gave Alekh a hug. "Oh, my sweet boy!" she exclaimed, gently patting his cheek.

Alekh blushed at the affection, secretly enjoying being pampered by his adopted mother. "Maa, let go! Everyone's watching," he mock-complained, causing Natasha to giggle. Thomas and William chuckled, seeing their new family member blush like a little boy.

"Stop ignoring me! Seriously! You guys forgot me after getting Alekh." Naina complained, stomping her feet.

"Don't be jealous, baby girl. We love you just as much," Thomas reassured Naina with a wink.

"Anyway, Huda is loyal, the life of the party, and an awesome code decoder," Naina informed her family before turning to Yudi. "And this is Yudi. He may appear laid-back and easygoing, but he possesses a brilliant mind. He's the soul of our group and a technological genius," she praised, wrapping her arm around Yudi's shoulders.

Yudi swelled with pride, amazed to hear how highly his friends regarded him. He had always assumed that his friends kept him around for his humorous antics, but now he realized he had underestimated himself. Discovering the level of admiration his friends held for him stirred up a sense of emotion within him.

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you. Uncle, Auntie, you have an incredible daughter. You've raised her with great care, and she embodies qualities of compassion, kindness, helpfulness, and love. Even when she's angry, she reminds me of Maa Kaali, but we all know she would never be angry without reason. We are fortunate to have her as our friend. We're truly grateful that you have welcomed Alekh into your family and treated him as your own child. It's an honor to be in your presence," Yudi expressed sincerely, his smile reflecting his genuine admiration.

Huda, Ali, and Pooja nodded in agreement, sharing the sentiment of happiness and contentment in seeing their once brooding friend now embraced by a loving family and experiencing the joy of being cherished.

"Let's get you settled inside. Come on, guys, let's spend some time with our families before we head for the march past," Naina suggested, eager to enjoy the company of their loved ones before the event.

... - ...

... - ...

... - ...

The march past and Republic Day special function concluded after a duration of two hours. Following the event, a lunch arrangement had been organized by Yudi and Ali in one of the spacious areas of the academy to accommodate the large number of attendees. Cadets joined their respective families, engaging in conversations while enjoying their meal. Once lunch was completed, cadets began mingling with their friends' families to foster better connections and understanding. Ali and Pooja's families joined together, initiating discussions about their children and their relationship. As the afternoon progressed, faculty members also joined the gathering.

Due to his prior engagements with BC and Col. Shakti, Rajveer hadn't had the opportunity to meet Naina's family until that moment. Observing Naina amidst a group of equally attractive individuals, Rajveer approached them first, eager to meet his girlfriend's family. "Good afternoon, sir! Good afternoon, ma'am!" he greeted, making a conscious effort not to stare at Naina's adopted mother, who exuded stunning beauty. If Rajveer hadn't known the truth, he might have mistaken her as Naina's biological mother.

"Mom, Dad, Tommy, this is Captain Rajveer, my mentor and my boyfriend," Naina proudly introduced.

"Good afternoon, Captain! How are you doing?" William asked, shaking Rajveer's hand.

William Campbell radiated confidence and sophistication, attired in a sleek dark grey suit that impeccably complemented his well-built physique. The suit boasted expert tailoring, showcasing clean lines and subtle details that showcased his refined taste. With attractive features including a strong jawline, fair complexion, and piercing dark red eyes, he exuded an aura of appeal. Despite his age, he possessed the grace and energy of a much younger man, evident in his purposeful stride and precise gestures that conveyed a sense of control. Lines around his eyes and mouth hinted at a life well-lived. His dark hair exhibited a touch of salt and pepper, adding to his distinguished appearance. Perfectly styled, it retained a natural look without appearing overly done.

However, it wasn't just William's attractive looks that made Rajveer frown. It was the peculiar sensation he felt when shaking William's hand, as it was cold and hard, much like Naina's hands always were. Naina had attributed her cold hands to poor blood circulation after her accident, but Rajveer wondered why William's hands had the same quality.

"You okay, Captain? You seem troubled," William commented, tilting his head slightly. When Rajveer met William's gaze, he noticed a faint smirk on his face, almost like a silent threat.

"I'm sure he's fine. After all, our Naina loves him. So he must be okay, right?" Thomas interjected, his tone laced with a clear warning.

At that moment, Rajveer took a closer look at Naina's adopted older brother, Thomas. Towering and commanding, he possessed a trimmed beard that accentuated his chiseled jawline, pale skin, and piercing red eyes that seemed to see through one's very soul. His long, light brown hair was tightly tied in a bun. Thomas had a ruggedly handsome face with a prominent nose and full lips. There was an underlying sense of wildness about him, as if a hidden danger lay beneath his sophisticated form-fitting black suit. His physique was equally impressive, boasting broad shoulders and a well-toned body that suggested countless hours spent in the gym. He carried himself with confidence and moved with a fluid grace that bordered on hypnotic. Standing at 6'3" in height, his physical presence commanded attention wherever he went. He emitted an aura of untamed wilderness, like a beast trapped within, waiting for an opportunity to break free. His impassive expression alone sent shivers down one's spine. However, the stern look he currently directed at Captain Rajveer was enough to instill fear, causing one's bones to tremble if they were capable.

Despite his internal trepidation, Rajveer maintained his composure, not letting his fear show on his face. However, his racing heartbeat and the surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins inadvertently revealed his unease to the Campbell family.

Naina rolled her eyes and nudged Thomas before stepping forward to stand in front of Rajveer, as if shielding him from her own family. "Stop intimidating him. I want him, and I'm keeping him," she firmly asserted.

Thomas stared at her in silence for a tense moment before a small smile spread across his face, transforming his demeanor entirely. Like a predator turning into a jolly giant, he spoke with a smirk, "Baby girl, we're allowed to give any guy interested in you a hard time. And he's your choice. We're more than entitled to test him to see if he's worthy of you."

Before Naina could respond, Rajveer instinctively positioned himself in front of her, facing Thomas. "You're more than welcome to test me. I love Naina, and I'm not afraid to face any challenge. If Naveen were here, he would have done the same. I'm grateful to know that Naina has a protective brother and a family who care for her. On behalf of Naveen and myself, I want to express my gratitude for everything you've done for Naina. I am indebted to you," he sincerely conveyed, focusing his attention on Thomas. Rajveer had observed the family dynamics closely since he joined them, and it became evident that all four family members, including Naina, seemed to seek silent guidance from Thomas, as if he were the head of the family, rather than Mr. William.

Jeremy gently pushed Thomas back a step and positioned himself between Rajveer and Thomas. "Captain Rajveer, welcome to the family," he warmly greeted, extending his hand with a smile.

Rajveer blushed slightly but reciprocated the handshake with a grateful smile.