Next morning
Captain Rajveer gathered all the first-year cadets in the academy courtyard, where he announced that a practice mission would take place outside the KMA grounds. Only the cadets who scored the highest marks on their written exam would participate. As the Super six had achieved the highest score, they were chosen and instructed to report to the north gate at 05:45 hours.
Having overheard Rajveer and Col. Shakti discussing the mission a few days earlier, Naina was well aware of its true purpose—to safely transfer the nuclear triggers from KMA. Consequently, she cautioned her friends to take the mission seriously and avoid any distractions.
In the evening, Rajveer wanted to assess the determination and focus of his cadets. To test them, he sent two bottles of alcohol to the boys' room. Alekh, Ali, Yudi, and Huda were engaged in a conversation in Alekh and Ali's room when the orderly delivered the bottles.
"I feel like something is wrong," Yudi speculated. "Why would Captain Rajveer send us alcohol the night before such an important mission?" he pondered.
"You're right, Yudi. Naina ji mentioned that we should remain vigilant at all times," Ali acknowledged.
"Guys, I don't think a few sips would hurt anyone," Huda remarked, wearing a mischievous grin.
Alekh rolled his eyes. "Leave the bottles here. We can drink them AFTER we successfully return from the mission. And I won't be drinking, as I promised Naina," he asserted firmly.
Just as Naina and Pooja arrived, they caught the tail end of the conversation. Upon inquiry, they were informed about the alcohol. "Guys, I overheard Rajveer sir saying that this mission is extremely important. The practice mission is merely a façade; there's a hidden, real mission behind it. It's unlikely that Rajveer sir would offer you alcohol to consume the night before. I think it's a test," Naina speculated.
"Thank goodness we didn't drink. Otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to perform at our best tomorrow," Ali sighed in relief.
"Oh man! No drinks?" Huda pouted.
"Nope. No drinks," Alekh chuckled, informing him.
... - ...
Rajveer's room,
Faculty quarters
00:00 hours
Naina entered Rajveer's room by climbing through his window, and right away, she didn't like the smell of alcohol and Dr. Ritu's perfume coming from the living room. She peeked at the bed but it was empty. She tiptoed out of the bedroom and found Rajveer asleep in a armchair, sitting upright. She moved quietly towards him and noticed the smell of alcohol. Looking around, she saw two glasses—one had a lipstick mark and the other didn't. Both glasses were empty. Naina picked up both glasses and smelled them. She realized that Rajveer's glass had something more than just alcohol.
Heading to the kitchenette, Naina retrieved a water bottle from the fridge. Approaching Rajveer, she sprinkled some cold water on his face while calling his name.
Startled, Rajveer jolted awake and gazed up at his girlfriend with bleary eyes. "N-Naina?" he questioned, appearing confused.
"Here, have some water," she offered, handing him the bottle.
Rajveer grabbed the bottle and downed all of its contents in a single gulp. Gradually, he started feeling better and more sober. Naina sat on the armchair's armrest and ran her fingers through his hair. "What was Dr. Ritu doing in your room? And what did she give you to drink?" she inquired, her tone gentle and soothing.
"She came over to inform me that BC gave her permission to join our mission tomorrow. Then she asked for a drink. I offered because I wanted to ask her a few questions when she was intoxicated, but I don't know what happened... I don't remember anything after having my drink," he honestly confessed.
"I can smell that there was something extra in your drink that wasn't in Ritu's," Naina informed him.
"Damn! What if I revealed the new location of those triggers to her?" Rajveer panicked, his thoughts racing.
Offering reassurance in a comforting manner, Naina said, "Don't worry. We'll handle that situation tomorrow. Right now, you need rest." Sensing the distress in his expression, she wrapped her arm around his shoulder, providing support as they made their way to the bedroom.
Carefully settling Rajveer on the bed, Naina prepared to remove his shoes, but he held her hand, pleading with a pout, "Naina... please don't leave."
Tum mere ho iss pal mere ho
Kal shayad yeh aalam na rahe
Kuch aisa ho tum tum na raho
Kuch aisa ho hum, hum na rahein...
Yeh raaste alag ho jaaye
Chalte chalte hum kho jaayein...
[You are mine in this moment, mine.
Tomorrow, perhaps this state may not remain.
May it be such that you are not there,
May it be such that we, we are not there...
May these paths diverge,
As we walk, may we get lost...]
A mischievous smile played on Naina's lips. "I'm only removing your shoes, not running away," she teased, her playful tone matching Rajveer's antics.
Feeling a sense of triumph, Rajveer playfully kicked off his remaining shoe, displaying a victorious grin directed at Naina. "Mission accomplished! Now, won't you come closer? I need to hold you," he implored, his longing clearly evident in his voice, accompanied by a playful twinkle in his eyes.
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga...
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga...
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga...
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga...
Iss chahat mein marr jaaunga
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
[I will still love you...
I will still love you...
I will still love you...
I will still love you...
I will die in this desire
I will still love you.]
Naina positioned herself beside him, her closeness radiating a soothing warmth. She expressed genuine concern, inquiring, "How are you holding up?"
Rajveer responded, a playful smile gracing his face, his words carrying a slight hint of intoxication. "I'm somewhere in between, not completely drunk... yet not entirely sober either," he admitted. With a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, he playfully added, "And I must admit, I have an undeniable craving for a kiss." His words spilled forth unexpectedly, reflecting his candid and playful nature in that particular moment.
Meri jaan mein har khamoshi mein
Tere pyaar ke naghme gaaungaMmm...
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
Iss chahat mein marr jaaunga
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
[In every silence of my life,
I will sing melodies of your love...
Mmm...
I will still love you,
I will still love you.
I will die in this desire,
I will still love you.]
Caught off guard by Rajveer's direct request, Naina's eyes widened in surprise. "A kiss?!" she exclaimed, momentarily taken aback by his boldness.
Rajveer's mischievous smile persisted; his playful demeanor intact as he playfully teased her. "Absolutely! A kiss is exactly what I want," he reaffirmed, his tone tinged with a mix of eager anticipation and genuine longing.
Aise zaroori ho mujhko tum
Jaise hawayein saanson ko
Aise talashun main tumko
Jaise ki per zameeno ko
Hansna ya rona ho mujhe
Paagal sa dhoondu main tumhe
Kal mujhse mohabbat ho na ho
Kal mujhko ijazat ho na ho
Toote dil ke tukde lekar
Tere darr pe hi reh jaaunga
Mmm...
[You are essential to me
Like the air is to breathe
I search for you in such a way
Like roots seek the earth
Whether it's laughter or tears for me
I'll search for you like a mad person
Tomorrow, whether love remains or not
Whether I have permission or not
Taking the broken pieces of my heart
I'll stay at your doorstep
Mmm...]
Blushing slightly, Naina gently pushed against Rajveer's chest, attempting to create some distance between them. "Captain Rajveer, I think you're still feeling the effects of the alcohol," she responded with a shy smile.
However, before she could fully process his proposal, Rajveer's hand swiftly encircled her waist, pulling her closer in an instant. His roguish smile persisted, accompanied by a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. Brimming with playful confidence, he confidently suggested, "Well, what if I were to offer you a kiss instead?" The mischievous twinkle in his eyes showcased his playful intent, momentarily leaving Naina taken aback by his daring approach.
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
Iss chahat mein marr jaaunga
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
Tum yun mile ho jabse mujhe
Aur sunehari main lagti hoon
Sirf labon se nahi ab toh
Poore badan se hansti hoon
[I will still love you,
I will still love you.
I will die in this desire,
I will still love you.
Since you came into my life this way,
I appear golden and radiant.
Not just with my lips anymore,
I laugh with my whole being.]
If Naina could have blushed, she would have. She found herself unable to meet Rajveer's gaze. The combination of surprise and anticipation sent a wave of nervousness coursing through her veins. She mustered the courage to whisper, her voice laced with a hint of nervousness, "R-Raj-Rajveer sir... what are you doing?"
Rajveer's playful expression softened slightly, his sincerity shining through. He reached out to gently cup her cheek; his voice filled with genuine reassurance. "Naina, I promise you, it will be just a small kiss," he vowed, aiming to alleviate any concerns she might have had. His words were laced with sincerity, hoping to convey his intentions and put her at ease.
Mere din raat salone se
Sab hai tere hi hone se
Yeh saath hamesha hoga nahin
Tum aur kahin main aur kahin
Lekin jab yaad karoge tum
Main banke hawaa aa jaaunga
O...
[Day and night are lonely for me
Everything exists because of you
This togetherness won't always be
You somewhere else, me somewhere else
But when you rememberI'll come as the wind
O...]
Worried for Rajveer's well-being, Naina expressed her concern, cautioning him, "Be careful, Rajveer. I don't want you to get hurt." Aware of the potential risk her sharp teeth presented; she was mindful of not accidentally causing him harm. While she desired to share a kiss with him, her awareness of his physical vulnerability made her apprehensive.
With a self-assured grin, Rajveer playfully dismissed her worries, his confidence unwavering. "Don't worry, my dear. It won't hurt, I promise," he assured her, his tone filled with a playful reassurance. He nodded knowingly, as if he had acquired the wisdom to navigate the situation safely.
After carefully considering the situation, Naina nodded in agreement, her voice barely above a whisper as she gave her consent. "Alright," she murmured, her anticipation mingled with a hint of nervousness.
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
Iss chahat mein marr jaunga
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
Main phir bhi tumko chahunga
[I will still love you
I will still love you
I will die for this love
I will still love you
I will still love you
I will still love you
I will still love you
I will still love you]
Enveloping Naina in his embrace, Rajveer guided her closer to him, their bodies melting together as if made for one another. With gentle adoration, he delicately brushed aside a stray strand of hair that adorned her face, his touch reverent and tender. His voice, now a soft murmur, caressed her ears as he whispered, "You are so beautiful, my Naina." The contrasting sensation of her cold skin against his warm flesh sent an electrifying shiver coursing through his entire being, heightening the anticipation that pulsed within him. His heart raced, a symphony of anticipation that he struggled to contain.
With closed eyes, Naina surrendered herself completely to the moment, a sense of vulnerability mingling with an overwhelming sense of trust. Rajveer leaned in, their lips meeting in a gentle, lingering kiss that seemed to defy the constraints of time. It was as if the world around them ceased to exist, leaving only the purity of their connection in that delicate union. The tender exploration of their entwined lips soon deepened, with Rajveer's affectionate suction eliciting a soft gasp of pleasure from Naina's lips. However, sensing her cautious hesitance, Naina gently pulled back, her eyes reflecting a flicker of uncertainty. Seeking solace, she nestled her face in the shelter of Rajveer's neck.
Understanding her unspoken boundaries, Rajveer responded with unwavering tenderness and affection. Placing a soft, lingering kiss upon her forehead, he encircled her in his arms, holding her close as if to provide a sanctuary from the world. In that intimate embrace, all else faded into insignificance, and the rest of the world became nothing more than mere background noise. It was in this sacred moment that Naina and Rajveer discovered a love so profound, it transcended words, engulfing them in a shared connection that surpassed all understanding.
...-...
...-...
...-...
Next morning,
04:30 hours.
Rajveer, having just returned from his morning jog, was making his way towards the shower to prepare for the day's mission. Suddenly, a knock on his door interrupted his routine, causing him to furrow his brow in curiosity. Opening the door, he was taken aback to find Dr. Ritu standing there.
"Dr. Ritu? What brings you here so early?" he inquired, his voice laced with surprise.
With a smirk playing on her lips, Dr. Ritu greeted him, "Hello, Captain. You see... something quite intriguing happened last night."
Rajveer's eyes narrowed as he glared at her, his suspicion growing. "What are you talking about?"
Leaning in, Dr. Ritu revealed her hidden knowledge, her words dripping with a mix of amusement and malice. "Last night, I discreetly conducted a narco test on you, administering a small drug. What you revealed to me during that time was beyond my wildest imagination. I wonder how your cadets, especially your girlfriend, will react when they discover that you killed his own best friend," she taunted, a triumphant smirk adorning her face. "Today's mission promises to be quite extraordinary, wouldn't you agree, Captain? Until later." With a wave and a snicker, she departed, leaving Rajveer frozen in shock.
Stunned, Rajveer stood there, his body immobile as his mind raced. He couldn't fathom the fact that he had divulged his deepest secret to this woman. "How could I have been so careless?" he scolded himself inwardly. "If Naina were to discover that I had taken the life of Naveen... No, I must be the one to confess the truth to her. If she were to learn about it from Ritu, she may never find it in her heart to forgive me," he resolved, his thoughts filled with a mix of regret and determination.
Overwhelmed by the weight of his actions, Rajveer was consumed by disbelief and a profound sense of grief. The mere thought of Naina, the woman he loved, learning that he was responsible for her brother's death felt like an unbearable burden, threatening to crush him under its weight. The anguish in his heart was insurmountable, and he couldn't fathom a life without her by his side. The loneliness he anticipated without her presence was suffocating, leaving him shattered and adrift.
Closing the door to his room, Rajveer grappled with the devastating realization that he would never again experience the warmth of her embrace, the sweetness of her kisses, or the sound of her voice filling his world. The thought of her rejecting him and wanting nothing to do with him pierced his soul. The pain was so intense that it rendered him weak, collapsing to the ground with his face buried in his hands. He wept for the loss of his dear friend, for the shattered bond of their once inseparable brotherhood. He wept for the absence of family and mourned the future they would never share. In that desolate moment, Rajveer's tears flowed ceaselessly, his cries echoing the depths of his sorrow, until he was left drained of all emotion, hollowed by grief.
Slowly, he gathered himself and made his way to the locked drawer in his cupboard. With a heavy heart, he retrieved an old tape recorder, its importance served as a powerful reminder of the truth he was about to confront. Staring at the device, his resolve hardened. It was time to confront the painful reality and unveil the truth to Naina, no matter how agonizing the repercussions. She was his beloved, his soulmate, and he owed her nothing less than complete honesty, even if it meant sacrificing everything they had once dreamed of.
...-...
...-...
Naina, fully dressed for the mission, anxiously awaited Pooja's emergence from the bathroom. Time was slipping away, and the urgency of their rendezvous with Rajveer sir at the north gate by 05:45 hours weighed heavily on her mind. With a hint of impatience, she called out to Pooja through the closed door while deftly braiding her hair.
"Pooja, hurry up! We're already running late. It's 05:30 hours now, and we need to be there on time!" Naina scolded, her voice carrying a sense of urgency.
"Two minutes, Naina!" Pooja's muffled voice replied from within.
Naina chuckled softly, her eyes darting over her belongings to ensure she had everything in order, when her phone suddenly began to ring. Surprised by the caller ID displaying Edward Cullen's number, she couldn't help but smile as she answered the call, expecting to hear his familiar voice. However, before she could even utter a greeting, Alice's panicked voice greeted her from the other end.
"There's no time for pleasantries, Naina. I have something incredibly urgent to tell you!" Alice exclaimed, her tone laced with urgency.
Concern etched across her features, Naina immediately responded, sensing the distress in Alice's voice. The Cullen family had become a pillar of support for her, guiding her through the complexities of her mating bond with Rajveer and helping her navigate her bloodlust for her singer. Their countless hours of listening, comforting, and offering guidance had formed a bond that felt like family. Edward, Carlisle, Esme, and Alice had provided invaluable insights into her existence as a vampire in love with her singer, while Bella had shared the perspective of being on the other side. Emmett and Rosalie had become cherished confidants, offering solace and companionship when the weight of her world became too much to bear. Their selfless support had left an indelible mark on Naina's heart, making her genuinely concerned upon hearing the panic in Alice's voice.
"Alice? Is everything okay?" she inquired.
"Before I answer, tell me, are you going somewhere?" Alice inquired.
Naina's brow furrowed in confusion. "Yes, we have a mission. Why? Alice... did you see something?" Naina asked, aware of Alice's ability to glimpse into the future of those close to her.
"Yes, Naina. Naina... I saw... I saw you killing your mate today," Alice uttered, her tone filled with fear.
"What?! Alice! What are you saying?" Naina exclaimed, her shock reverberating through her voice.
"I saw him saying something to you and giving you a tape recorder. I don't know what he said, but whatever it was... you snapped. Naina, I saw you kill your mate," Alice urgently conveyed.
Overwhelmed by the revelation, Naina sank to her knees. Her voice trembled as she whispered, "How can I prevent it?"
"Naina, whatever he tells you... you must always remember that he is your mate. Your ultimate duty... the very purpose of your existence is to protect him... even from yourself," Alice firmly advised.
"Naina, it's Jasper. From what Alice has seen, whatever he says might trigger a painful reaction in you. But you must remember, he is your mate. Protecting him comes before any other emotion, above all else. Your love and dedication to him take precedence. Today, you may have to rely on your vampire side. Be cautious, dear," Jasper added.
"What if I harm him?" Naina voiced her fear, her mind filled with terror.
"Naina, my sweet, don't be afraid. We will all be rooting for you. You are far stronger than any of us. You will handle it with grace," Esme assured her with unwavering confidence.
"Yes, Naina. Don't forget what you have accomplished as a relatively new vampire. You attend a military academy, masquerading as a normal human every day, while mastering your bloodlust and controlling your vampiric nature. You are stronger than you realize, and we believe in your ability to overcome this test as well. Good luck!" Bella chimed in, a reassuring smile on her face.
Naina took a hesitant breath and replied, "I... I can do this."
"Once more," Carlisle encouraged.
"I can do this," Naina repeated, her voice growing stronger.
"Good luck, Cadet Naina Campbell!" the entire Cullen family wished her.
"Call us once your mission is successful," Alice reminded her.
"I will. Thank you, Alice."
"You're welcome, dear. Goodbye."
"Goodbye." Naina ended the call and took a moment to calm her racing mind, inhaling and exhaling silently. She wondered what Rajveer could possibly say to make her react so violently. Shaking off her apprehensions, she rose from the floor and checked the time.
"Pooja, it's already 05:45! What on earth are you doing in there? I'm leaving. Hurry up!" she called out to her roommate.
"Coming!" Pooja's voice echoed from inside.
Rolling her eyes, Naina conducted one final check before setting off, slipping her cell phone into her pants. As she made her way towards the north gate, she came face to face with Captain Rajveer, her mate. However, the desolate expression on his face took her by surprise. It was as if he was preparing himself for the imminent loss of her. It was a stark contrast to the loving and affectionate demeanor he had displayed the night before; it felt like encountering two completely different individuals.
"He's my mate. Nothing and no one else matters," she silently repeated to herself, determined to stay focused. With a warm smile, she greeted him, saying, "Cadet Campbell reporting, sir!" as he approached.
Rajveer nodded, his expression serious and devoid of the usual love and affection he directed towards her. "Cadet Campbell, your fellow male cadets have gathered by the truck. They have successfully passed their tests. You and Cadet Ghai are the only ones who have yet to join them," he stated.
"Apologies, sir. We had some delays while getting ready. Pooja is still in the bathroom, but I'm certain she'll be here any minute," Naina explained, her voice laced with sincerity, fully aware of the significance of today's mission.
"Last night, I conducted a test for the male cadets, involving alcohol. I also sent Cadet Ghai a note with an address, claiming it was Rohit's. They all passed their tests. Now, it's time for yours," he informed her, his tone void of emotion. The lack of warmth in his voice unsettled Naina deeply.
Rajveer turned away from her and retrieved a tape recorder from his pants pocket. Naina's breath caught in her throat. She recognized it as the same tape recorder that held whatever was capable of triggering her violent reaction towards her mate. This was the scene that Alice had foreseen.
Naina observed Rajveer's intense gaze on the recorder before he handed it to her. She kept her focus on his face, noting the way he held his breath and the visible signs of nervousness and fear. His excessive sweating added to her confusion. "What could possibly be in it that's causing such a reaction from him?" she wondered, puzzled by his demeanor.
"Um... what is this, sir?" she asked, maintaining a light tone.
"It's..." Rajveer took a deep breath, "it's Naveen's personal recorder," he replied.
Naina's eyes widened in disbelief. "W-What?" she stammered.
He nodded, keeping his back turned towards her. "He wanted me to deliver this to you... it was his last wish," he disclosed.
Naina stared at her open palm, the recorder resting there, holding the voice of her deceased brother. She instinctively reached to play it, but then she remembered Alice's warning. Whatever lay within this recorder had the potential to be perilous for her mate. Naveen was gone, but Rajveer stood before her. Protecting him took precedence in that moment.
"Thank you for keeping this safe all this time. I think I'll listen to it after we return from our mission," she informed him, carefully tucking the recorder into her pocket.
Rajveer turned around, a look of astonishment on his face. "Don't you want to know what your brother said in his final moments?" he inquired.
"I do... but our duty to our country is more pressing now. Let's proceed with the mission, sir," she replied, forcing a strained smile. While her sisterly instincts yearned to uncover the truth about her brother's fate, her vampire side was more concerned with safeguarding her mate from potential harm. A conflict raged within her, but she had to maintain the façade of composure in his presence.
Naina continued walking toward the gate when she heard something that made her stop abruptly. Doubt crept into her mind, questioning whether her heightened vampiric hearing had deceived her. She turned around, her gaze fixed on him, and in a bewildered tone, she asked, "What did you just say?"
"I said... I killed your brother, Naveen," Rajveer repeated, his voice barely audible. Tears welled up in his eyes as he continued, "It was me... I shot him."
Naina staggered backward, her balance disrupted. She attempted to find support against the wall but ended up falling instead. She remained on the ground, her gaze fixed on him, silently urging him to explain what he had just confessed.
Rajveer knelt before Naina, his hands trembling with nervousness. Taking a deep breath, he began to recount the events, his voice filled with anguish, "After the trial, Naveen was being transferred from his previous prison to another one. Captain Chauhan, one of our batchmates, and I planned to help Naveen escape. The plan was for Chauhan to get him out of the prison van while I would take him away, out of the city, and if possible, out of the country or hide him somewhere. During the journey, Chauhan successfully helped Naveen escape from the van. The entire army was after him... he was alone. I found him in the middle of the forest, already wounded by bullets. He..." Rajveer sighed heavily, "He asked me to take him away from there. I assured him that I had a safe place prepared, but he insisted... Naina, he insisted that I had to take him away... dead. I scolded him, Naina. I scolded him for saying something so foolish. But he said... he said he couldn't bear their torture any longer. I still tried, Naina. I still tried," Rajveer sobbed.
"What happened?" Naina asked, her voice devoid of emotion.
"He asked me to do him a favor. He asked me to end his life. To grant him permanent freedom. I scolded him... I even slapped him," Rajveer revealed. "He told me he didn't want to die in the hands of his enemies... he wanted to be liberated by his friend," he whispered before breaking down into tears.
"He pleaded with me, Naina. My closest friend, Naina... he begged for his own death. He urged me to deliver his recorder to his sister if I ever found her. Despite my assurances that I could protect him, he remained resolute. He insisted that there was no alternative. The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder and time was running out. I made one final attempt to change his mind, but he... he smiled and told me that it would be an honor to die by my hand. And then... I loaded my gun and... I couldn't bear to look at him, Naina. I was on the verge of killing my dearest friend... my own family. I... I pulled the trigger," he sobbed uncontrollably. As he glanced up, he was slightly taken aback by the absence of tears streaming down Naina's cheeks. Her eyes welled up with emotion, yet no tears fell.
Naina sat there in stunned silence, attempting to process the weight of Rajveer's revelation. A whirlwind of emotions and thoughts stormed through her mind. Anger, disbelief, and sorrow tugged at her heartstrings. She felt a surge of conflicting feelings, unsure of how she should react in this moment. When she had first learned of her brother's fate, she had vowed to seek vengeance upon all those responsible. But now, faced with this unexpected truth, she found herself at a loss. Naina understood that she needed time to sort through her thoughts and emotions, for there were other revelations from her own investigation that begged her consideration. She knew she had to tread carefully, taking all factors into account, before deciding how to proceed.
"No wonder Alice saw me killing him," Naina thought to herself, recalling the warning in her conversation with Alice. "If it weren't for that warning, I might have acted impulsively and harmed him before he could even explain himself. I need to take the time to process all the clues and revelations. But not right now," she reasoned silently.
Taking a deep breath, Naina gazed at Rajveer. "I require some time, Rajveer, sir," she finally spoke, her voice barely audible. "I need to contemplate everything that has been revealed. As of now... I'm uncertain about what the future holds for us."
Rajveer nodded, burdened by the weight of guilt and remorse. He understood that he would bear the consequences of his actions for the rest of his life. It felt as though he had lost his family all over again.
"The mission... we should..." Naina reminded, rising from the floor.
"You... still wish to proceed?" Rajveer questioned, his confusion evident.
"Relocating those triggers holds greater significance than my personal emotions in this moment," Naina asserted firmly before making her way towards the north gate.
Rajveer stood there, his face reflecting bewilderment. "How does Naina know about the triggers?" he pondered silently.
...-...
...-...
...-...
A/N::: One of the hardest chapter to write.
Was I able to capture the emotions correctly?
Did you blush at their first kiss?
Did you tear up as well at Rajveer's confession?