A few days later.
Naina was in the midst of preparing for the day when she heard her phone ring. A smile spread across her face as she saw the caller ID and promptly answered the call. "Hey, Alice!"
"How did you recognize it was me? I dialed from Edward's phone," Alice complained.
"Because Edward rarely ever calls me. It's usually the other way around. Plus, whenever I receive a call from this number, it's typically you," Naina explained with a mischievous smirk.
"Oh, you spoilsport!" Alice whined.
Naina let out a giggle. "Well, then... what warnings do you have for me today?" she asked curiously.
"Naina, I witnessed your partner offering to contact his and your brother's fellow batchmate. He has a difficult name, but he's apparently some sort of prince. I strongly advise you... and I mean it, DO NOT call him or allow your mate to contact him. Based on what I observed, if this individual were to come to KMA, your mate's life would be at risk," Alice cautioned.
Naina nodded earnestly. "I'll ensure that this prince remains in his own kingdom. Thank you, Alice. By the way, I wouldn't mind if you called me using your own phone next time."
Alice responded with a giggle. Naina heard Edward's voice in the background, shouting, "Thanks, Naina. This Pixie keeps swiping my phone."
Naina chuckled. "Alright, you two. Have a wonderful day," she said before hanging up.
Thinking hard on what to do, Naina headed out. Pooja was still in the bathroom, late as usual. Naina was just passing the faculty hallway when she smelled Rajveer coming closer. She stopped and turned to greet him with a smile.
"Good morning, Rajveer sir," she said.
"Ah, this 'sir'. Every time you call me that, it pierces my heart like an arrow," Rajveer lamented with a touch of drama. He closed the distance between them, gently cradling her face in his hands, and pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss. As they parted, he whispered, "Good morning, my love," and gazed into her eyes, lost in the beauty of the moment.
Naina's eyes grew wide with surprise at his action. Quickly withdrawing, she glanced around the faculty hallway. BC had explicitly forbidden any public display of affection between them. "Are you out of your mind? What if BC or Nair saw us?" she chided him, her tone firm.
Rajveer grinned mischievously. "BC went out and Nair has already gone to the ground." he replied with a wink.
Naina chuckled. "You're in a playful mood." she commented raising her eyebrow.,
He enveloped her in a warm embrace, his arms encircling her tightly as he spoke. "I have good news. Captain Abhimanyu Rai Chauhan, a fellow batchmate of mine and Naveen's, called me. He was the one who orchestrated Naveen's escape from the prison van," he revealed to her.
Naina became alert instantly. "Why are you happy about his call?" she inquired.
Rajveer explained, "After what happened with Naveen, I felt too guilty to stay in touch with him. But last night, he contacted me to say that he's considering a position as a faculty member at KMA, now that there's an open slot after Ritu's departure." A smile spread across his face as he continued, "I'm thrilled. I'll get to spend time with my friend again after so many years. You know, he's the crown prince of Barmer."
"So, this is the prince Alice was warning me about." Naina thought top herself before a concerned look came to her face.
Rajveer noticed the change in her expression and asked, "What is it, Naina? You look worried."
"Rajveer, do you think it's wise for people who are familiar with you to become closer to you? If you choose to reveal your truth to me, you may have to leave this country and go into hiding for a century. Don't you believe your friends and family, the ones you hold dear, may begin searching for you? This could cause difficulties for our family with our kind's leaders," she voiced her concerns to Rajveer.
Rajveer's eyes widened in realization. "I hadn't considered that. Damn, you're right," he acknowledged. He was hesitant, but he knew deep down that he couldn't leave without Naina. Subconsciously, he realized he would be accompanying her once she completed her mission. However, if he were to disappear suddenly, his godfather Lala Gehlot would undoubtedly initiate a search mission for him. Additionally, if he reconnected with Abhimanyu, the situation could worsen, and it might cause trouble for the Campbell family. "What should we do?" he asked Naina, seeking her advice. "I can't tell Abhimanyu not to join KMA. That would only make him more determined to do so."
"Mmm... give me you phone. let me call Tommy. He'll know what to do." Naina stated stretching her hand out for his phone.
A smile spread across Rajveer's face as he observed Naina's relationship with Thomas Campbell. To her, he wasn't just a maker or a brother. Naina held him in the highest regard, treating him with the same respect and trust that a daughter would hold for her father. She had unwavering faith that her father would have a solution to every problem, no matter how challenging it may seem. Rajveer couldn't help but feel touched by the immense love and respect that Naina had for Thomas. Rajveer handed her his phone and watched as she dialed Thomas's number.
"Good morning, Rajveer!" Thomas greeted answering the phone.
"Good morning, Tommy. It's me. I need help." Naina stated.
"I'll dig a grave in the forest behind our house. I'm sending Will to get the body. Jerry will help you clean the rest." Tom told her seriously.
Naina chuckled. "I didn't kill anyone!" she exclaimed. Then, she started speaking in vampiric speed so that Rajveer couldn't understand what she was telling Thomas. She told Tom everything from her morning call with Alice, her warning against Captain Abhimanyu, and Rajveer's news.
"Hmm... that's concerning. Don't worry. I'll arrange something in the next 24 hours. Bye. Take care."
Naina hung up and handed Rajveer his phone. "Done. He said he'll do something about it in the next 24 hours." she told him.
"That's a relief. But why did you speak to him in such a speed?" Rajveer inquired frowning. he felt like Naina was hiding something.
"Two reasons. One, because I'll getting late for the drill. Two, there is something that I forgot to tell you about. I'll tell you the details later when I come to your room, But I have to go. I can hear Nair yelling from the ground," she replied honestly.
He nodded and dropped a kiss on her cheek before she grinned and left for the drill. He sighed and started thinking how he could stop his godfather and friends looking for him if/when he would go with Naina.
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...-...
That evening, as Naina made her way towards Rajveer's room, she caught sight of Alekh. He was walking from the direction of the reception, wearing a sad expression. Concerned, Naina furrowed her brows and approached her brother, gently placing her hand on his shoulder.
"Alekh, is everything alright?" she inquired, her voice filled with worry.
Alekh managed a sad smile and shrugged, his eyes glistening with tears. He appeared visibly upset.
Naina's expression turned serious, sensing the gravity of the situation. "Alekh, what happened? Why are you crying?" she asked urgently.
With a heavy sigh, Alekh replied, "I... I broke up with Nilu."
"Did you guys have an argument or something?" Naina asked gently, trying to grasp the reason behind the abrupt breakup. She knew that Alekh and Nilu had been secretly dating since their freshers' night, making this news even more surprising.
Alekh let out a sigh and shook his head. "No, it's not about an argument," he began, his voice tinged with sadness. "I've made a decision. I want to change into..." he gestured towards Naina, "your kind," he finished, his gaze filled with a mix of determination and sorrow. "To pursue that path, I believe it would be better for me to sever all ties that could potentially bring trouble to our family."
Naina's eyes widened in realization, comprehending the weight of his words. She reached out to grasp Alekh's hand, offering support. "Alekh, if this is truly what you want, I'll stand by you. We'll face whatever challenges come our way together," she reassured him, her voice filled with love and acceptance.
"Of course," Naina replied softly, understanding the depth of his emotional pain.
She gave him a sympathetic look and gently pulled him into a comforting embrace. Alekh rested his head on her shoulder, finding solace in her presence. Silent tears streamed down his face, and Naina held him tightly, offering him the support he sought, letting him find comfort and release in their shared embrace.
As Naina held Alekh in her embrace, she softly whispered words of comfort and reassurance. She understood that sometimes, the best thing one could offer was a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. "It's okay to cry, Alekh," Naina murmured soothingly. "Let it all out. I'm here for you, and I'll always be here for you."
Alekh's sobs gradually subsided, and he took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. He lifted his head from Naina's shoulder, wiping away his tears with the back of his hand. Though sadness still lingered in his eyes, a sense of gratitude emerged as he looked at his sister. "Thank you, Naina. I feel a little better now," he said, giving her a small smile.
Naina smiled tenderly at him, her love for her brother evident in her eyes. She knew that this pain wouldn't go away so easily. "You don't have to thank me, Alekh. We're family, and supporting each other is what we do. We'll get through this together, no matter what path you choose."
Alekh nodded, finding strength in their bond. "I know," he said, his voice still tinged with sadness. "I just need some time to process everything." With Naina by his side, he knew he could face any challenges that lay ahead. They remained in each other's arms for a little longer, finding solace in their shared connection, and offering support in the midst of a difficult time.
"Take all the time you need. And remember, I'm here for you," Naina said, giving him another hug before letting him go. "Now, do you want to talk about what being 'my kind' entails?" she asked, trying to offer him some guidance and clarity.
Alekh nodded, grateful for her support and guidance. "Yes, please. I have a lot to learn," he said, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes.
"Okay. I have some information to give Rajveer Sir. Meet me by the lake in an hour. I'll tell you everything." Naina instructed. Alekh nodded and left.
Naina stared after him before heading towards Rajveer's room.
... - ...
"So what is it you said you had to tell me?" Rajveer asked after Naina took a sit on his couch.
Naina took a deep breath before starting, "Rajveer, do you remember the Cullen family, the ones I mentioned to you before?"
Rajveer tried to remember but couldn't remember anything like that. "No, I don't think you mentioned them," he replied.
"Alright, so in this world, there are many individuals like us. Most prefer a nomadic lifestyle, while some live in groups known as 'Covens' or 'Clans'. Typically, our kind feeds on human blood, but Carlisle Cullen and his family have adopted a diet of animal blood, earning them the nickname 'The Vegetarians' among others who don't take them seriously. Currently, two covens follow this vegetarian lifestyle. Carlisle had a good relationship with our rulers, learning from them while residing in their castle. He's now a doctor who actively treats patients. When I first smelled your blood and struggled with my bloodlust, I sought help from my family and they reached out to others like the Cullens. Initially, they were friends of a friend. As Edward, Carlisle's son, experienced something similar, he reached out to me when they learned of my situation and they helped me understand the nature of your blood."
Rajveer's curiosity piqued as he asked, "So, was there a specific reason for your intense reaction? Is it related to that 'Singer' thing you mentioned?"
Naina nodded, a hint of gratitude in her expression. "Yes, exactly. The Cullens, including Edward, played a vital role in helping me navigate the complexities of having a Singer as my mate. Ever since then, they have become cherished friends and a source of support for me and my family, despite the distance between us," she explained, a warm smile gracing her face.
"That's really kind of them." Rajveer commented with a smile. He was happy that his Naina had the help she needed at the time.
"Do you remember when I explained my extra abilities to you?" Naina reminded.
"The power of illusion and I... forgot the second one." he replied with a sheepish smile.
"That's okay. So, some individuals of our kinds also gets special abilities after their change. Alice, Carlisle's daughter, has one such kind of power. With uncanny precision, Alice can see glimpses of the future that are shaped by the choices and decisions made by individuals. Her visions provide her with a remarkable insight into the potential outcomes of various paths and actions. Through her gift, Alice sees the potential consequences and ramifications that stem from the choices people make. She perceives the intricate web of possibilities, allowing her to anticipate events that have yet to unfold. However, despite her remarkable gift, Alice's visions are not set in stone. The future she foresees is malleable and subject to change, as decisions can be altered or influenced by external factors." Naina explained.
Rajveer finally started getting the point. "So... she saw something related to Chauhan Sahab?" he asked frowning. He wasn't sure if he should believe it or not, but he's been seeing a lot of things that he never knew existed.
"Yeah. She called him early morning, and warned me that you'll be in danger if you summon Captain Abhimanyu to join KMA as a faculty," Naina told him honestly.
Rajveer's eyes widened in surprise and concern, "What kind of danger? And why would Chauhan sahab joining KMA put me in danger?"
Naina took another deep breath, "I don't know the details, but I trust Alice's ability. She's never been wrong before. And as for Captain Abhimanyu, I think Alice might have seen something about him that she hasn't told me yet."
Rajveer was silent for a moment, processing the information. "Thank you for telling me, Naina. I'll keep this in mind and be careful."
Naina nodded, "Of course, Rajveer. I just wanted to make sure you knew why I actually didn't want that Prince here in KMA. Let him stay in his kingdom. I can't take any risk with your safety," she told him with a pout.
Rajveer's grateful smile spread across his face as he lovingly expressed, "You know, my over possessive girl, I love you. I truly appreciate it." His words were filled with affection and accompanied by a warm smile.
The surge of overwhelming affection within Rajveer couldn't be contained any longer. With a gentle smile, he delicately cradled Naina's face in his hands, locking his gaze with hers. Naina's eyes shimmered with anticipation, reflecting the love between them. In that magical moment, Rajveer leaned closer, his lips brushing against Naina's soft skin. His kiss was tender, light as a feather, yet it carried the depth of his profound affection. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving behind only the intimate connection they shared.
As their lips parted, their eyes met once more, their unspoken emotions echoing in the air. A faint blush tinged Rajveer's cheeks, mirroring the surge of emotions within him, while Naina's face radiated a mix of surprise and delight. Her fingertips gently brushed the spot where his lips had left their mark, and in response, a shy smile played upon her lips.
Naina cleared her throat and moved back a little. She didn't want them to get distracted as they had another important thing to talk about. "The recorder?" she reminded softly.
Rajveer gave her a mock sad look and nodded. "Did you bring it along?" he asked, wanting to get this done as soon as possible so that he could go back to romancing with his girlfriend.
Naina chuckled at his eagerness and nodded. "I can smell paper inside it. I wanted to check inside, but since I'm a little too strong, I might break the recorder.
"Here, let me try," Rajveer offered. He carefully opened the compartment at the back of the recorder, revealing the slip of paper hidden inside. As he took it our to unfold it, Naina leaned in closer, trying to catch a glimpse of what was written on it. There was a small massage written in Naveen's handwriting. On the slip of paper, it said:
"Strawberry basket in the hub."
Naina furrowed her brows in bewilderment as she examined the paper. "What on earth does 'Strawberry basket in the hub' signify?" she voiced her thoughts aloud.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Rajveer spoke up, lost in his own musings. "Naina, if Naveen went through the trouble of concealing this paper, then its contents must hold some significance," he noted.
Naina cringed, showcasing her distaste. "Considering how well I know my brother, it might also be a reminder for him to purchase strawberry flavor condoms," she remarked, her face contorted in disgust.
Rajveer erupted into uncontrollable laughter. "N-Naina... you... you're something else. But why would Naveen hide it inside the recorder if that were the case?" he inquired.
"He could have initially placed it there and then simply forgotten its location," she responded.
Rajveer had to set the recorder aside as his laughter continued unabated. Eventually, he regained control and composed himself. Clearing his throat, he suggested, "Darling, let's consider the possibility that it's not related to what you're imagining. It appears to be a code for something. Let's decipher its meaning first."
Naina shrugged and reluctantly agreed with a nod. "I still believe it's connected to his condoms," she mumbled, displaying her stubbornness.
Rajveer smirked but opted to feign ignorance, intentionally ignoring her remark.
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Super six had been keeping a watch over Major Nair for last few days for their next prank. It was Yudi and Ali's turn that afternoon. So, they stealthily trailed Major Nair. Concealed behind nearby bushes, they carefully observed his every move. The air was thick with anticipation as they maintained a vigilant watch. As they surreptitiously tracked Major Nair, their ears pricked up upon hearing the distinct sound of his phone ringing. They exchanged a quick glance, their intrigue mounting. The conversation that unfolded caught their attention immediately, as Major Nair's voice took on a tone laced with secrecy and urgency.
With bated breath, Yudi and Ali strained to hear snippets of the conversation. The Major's cryptic phrases and hushed tones hinted at hidden motives. Their hearts raced as they realized they had stumbled upon something significant—an unexpected revelation that could potentially unravel a web of mysteries surrounding Major Nair. Determined to uncover the truth, Yudi and Ali exchanged a silent agreement, their eyes gleaming with newfound determination. They discreetly edged closer, ensuring they didn't compromise their cover. Their minds raced with questions, their curiosity urging them to unveil the secrets veiled within Major Nair's enigmatic phone call.
Little did they know that the path they had embarked upon would lead them down a treacherous journey, full of unforeseen dangers and startling revelations. The stakes had been raised, and Yudi and Ali prepared themselves for the unknown, ready to confront the truth lurking in the shadows.
"We should inform the rest," Ali suggested.
Yudi nodded. "Let's go. They'll be in the game room at the moment."
Breathing heavily with excitement and a touch of nervousness, Yudi and Ali rushed towards the game room where their friends Naina, Huda, Pooja, and Alekh were gathered. Their footsteps echoed in the corridor as they approached the room, anticipation building with each passing moment.
As they swung open the door, the room fell into momentary silence, the attention of their friends immediately shifting towards Yudi and Ali. The urgency in their expressions hinted at the weight of the information they were about to share. Ali closed the door behind them before Yudi started shared.
Yudi's voice trembled slightly as he began, "Guys, you won't believe what we just overheard. We were following Major Nair. He received a call and we happened to eavesdrop on it."
Naina's eyes widened with curiosity, her gaze locked onto Yudi and Ali. "What did you hear? What was it about?" she inquired, her voice filled with a mix of anticipation and concern.
Ali leaned in closer, his voice lower, "It was definitely secretive and urgent. Major Nair's words hinted at something bigger going on. We couldn't catch all the details, but it sounded like there might be hidden agendas and covert operations involved. We heard words such as "guns" "on schedule" and "truck"."
Huda's analytical mind kicked into gear, furrowing his brow in concentration. "According to my research, that Mustache is the armory in-charge of our academy. He's the one who gets new guns and stuff, does the maintenance of them, keep count of how many weapons are available for emergency and for training, and stuff like that. Every three months he sends the old guns for repair and gets new guns in exchange. Maybe he was talking about that?" he informed.
"If that was the case, they why was he talking on the phone so secretly? He kept on looking around as if top make sure no one could hear him." Yudi pointed out.
"This changes everything," Naina stated, contemplating the implications. "We need to be cautious and dig deeper. If Major Nair is involved in something suspicious, we can't ignore it."
Pooja's eyes gleamed with determination. "I have full faith that he's definitely involved in something shady, and it's time for us to uncover the truth," she stated.
Alekh nodded solemnly. "But we have to be careful. We don't know the full extent of what we're dealing with. Let's gather more information before taking any action."
Ali nodded in agreement. "Alekh bhai is correct. If Major Nair catches us investigating him, then he will most definitely have us rusticated." he stated.
"Alright then. We'll take full caution about this matter." Pooja replied, sulking that they couldn't just confront Nair openly.
"I think we should inform Rajveer sir. If we're caught investigating a senior officer like this without any backing, we'll be serious trouble." Naina pointed out.
"Okay. You go and tell him while we keep an eye on Nair," Huda told Naina.
The room buzzed with a newfound sense of purpose and camaraderie. Yudi and Ali's revelation had ignited a fire within the group, propelling them towards a path of discovery and danger. With their shared determination, they prepared to unravel the mysteries that had entangled Major Nair, ready to face the consequences that lay ahead. In that moment, they became a team bonded by an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth... a truth that could potentially change their lives forever.
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A/N:::