A few days later.
Arnav, Khushi, Nandini, and Manik were gathered in a posh restaurant in Delhi, courtesy of Arnav who decided to treat them to dinner. Amidst casual conversations about their lives, Nandini shared the recent events involving Soha. Khushi scolded her for not disclosing these incidents at home.
"Nandini, don't be so reckless again. You are very important to the people who love you. Always remember that," Arnav told her sternly.
"Yes, jiju," Nandini nodded obediently.
"So, Manik, does that mean your band won't get that album?" Khushi asked with concern.
"Not with this production house. But we'll keep on trying," Manik replied with a shrug.
A thoughtful expression crossed Arnav's face. "I have an idea. Manik, meet me in AR Designs tomorrow morning sharp at 9 am with your band. Okay?"
"Okay. Yeah, sure."
Arnav quickly sent a text to his manager, Aman, before refocusing on the group. "Does anyone know how Rajveer bhaiya and Bhabhi are doing?" he asked.
"I spoke to Bhaiya this morning. He said everything was good with them. But I missed them so much," Khushi pouted.
"Only six more months. And then, they'll be home," Arnav reminded her with a warm smile.
"Yes! And then, Bhaiya ki shaadi!" Nandini squealed excitedly. Manik and Arnav chuckled at her enthusiasm, sharing in her anticipation.
...-...
...-...
KMA,
Library,
18:30 hours
Naina found herself in the library, surrounded by a mountain of books for the theory project assigned by Subedar Major Lolita. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't seem to grasp where to begin. Frustration crept in as she shuffled through the pages, her mind clouded with confusion. Feeling overwhelmed, Naina rose from her seat, determined to find more resources. Struggling to reach a book on a high shelf, Naina stretched on tiptoes, her fingers barely grazing the spine.
Just as frustration threatened to overwhelm her, Rajveer appeared beside her. With a charming smile, he effortlessly plucked the book from its perch, but his proximity stirred something within her, sending her heart racing and her senses reeling. Naina closed her eyes, inhaling the intoxicating scent of Rajveer's body. His scent enveloped her, stirring something deep within her. His nearness was both comforting and electrifying, causing a rush of emotions she couldn't ignore. Rajveer, sensing her reaction, offered a reassuring smile, his understanding gaze silently acknowledging the unspoken connection between them.
Suddenly, the lights flickered and dimmed, plunging the library into darkness. Seizing the opportunity, Rajveer gently took Naina's hand and led her to a secluded corner of the library, away from prying eyes and distractions. Rajveer gently pressed Naina against one of the shelves, his gaze locked with hers. Initially, Naina's eyes darted around fearfully, worried about the possibility of being caught. However, as Rajveer held her gaze with an intensity that seemed to pierce her soul, her expression shifted from fear to a sense of calm, as if she found solace in his presence. She could feel his warm breath against her skin, and the sound of her own heartbeat echoed loudly in her ears.
"Did I ever tell you... that you have the most beautiful pair of eyes?" Rajveer's voice was husky, his words dripping with raw emotion.
Naina felt her cheeks flush as she shook her head in response.
Drawing closer, Rajveer leaned in, his lips hovering near her ear as he whispered, "Your eyes are like the ocean. Every time I look into them, I feel the urge to dive deep and never resurface."
Naina shivered at his words, feeling a rush of sensation coursing through her body. His warm breath against her neck sent a shiver down her spine, and the scent of his masculinity enveloped her, leaving her intoxicated and breathless.
Naina found herself instinctively clutching Rajveer's shirt, her fingers curling around the fabric as if seeking an anchor in the whirlwind of emotions. Rajveer's smile in response filled her with warmth, knowing that even the slightest proximity to him had such a profound effect on her. As he withdrew his hands from the shelf behind her, she felt a rush of anticipation coursing through her veins.
With a gentle touch, Rajveer's hands found their way to her waist, pulling her closer to him. Leaning in closer, Rajveer lowered his head and began to pepper Naina's face with a trail of delicate, lingering kisses. Each touch ignited a fire within her, sending waves of warmth cascading through her body. From her forehead to her eyes, nose, and cheeks, his lips trailed a path of affection, culminating in a soft, lingering kiss on her lips. With her eyes closed, Naina surrendered herself to the intoxicating sensation of his love, lost in the moment of pure bliss.
Rajveer couldn't help but notice the telltale flush that adorned Naina's cheeks, a silent testament to the intensity of their connection. His heart swelled with love for her as he gazed at his beloved. The anticipation of the next six months, when they would officially become husband and wife, filled him with eager anticipation. Wrapping his arms around her, Rajveer pulled her into a tight embrace, relishing in the familiarity of her presence.
Naina nestled her nose against his chest, inhaling deeply as his intoxicating scent enveloped her. In that moment, she couldn't help but marvel at the depth of her love for him, grateful for the promise of a future together that awaited them.
Suddenly, the lights flickered back to life, startling Rajveer and Naina into pulling away from each other. Sharing a brief smile, they exchanged a knowing glance. Rajveer gestured for Naina to retrieve the book she had been searching for, motioning for her to go first. Naina nodded in response and sauntered back to her table, feigning nonchalance as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
Meanwhile, Rajveer straightened his rumpled shirt and chuckled to himself in disbelief. The thought that he had just shared a tender moment with his future wife in such secrecy seemed surreal. Running a hand through his tousled hair, he took a moment to compose himself before grabbing a random book from the nearby shelf. With a final smile, he made his exit from the library, his heart still racing from the unexpected intimacy they had shared.
...-...
...-...
...-...
Khushi brimmed with excitement as she prepared for her first college function. Her previous college experience had been too short to partake in any festivities, amplifying her anticipation to unprecedented levels. She exuded a whirlwind of excitement and nervous energy, tirelessly sharing her plans with her family and barely staying still long enough to receive advice. Shashi chuckled fondly at his daughter's joy, silently wishing for her perpetual happiness and youthful spirit.
Khushi and her friend had opted for light yellow cotton sarees paired with white blouses for the event. Khushi styled her hair into a simple bun adorned with a white flower garland, complemented by a dozen glass bangles on each wrist, a subtle bindi, kohl, and light pink lipstick, enhancing her natural beauty. Despite the simplicity of her attire, Khushi exuded elegance.
After bidding farewell to her family, she made her way to the college. Upon arrival, she was warmly greeted by her female friends, who awaited her just outside the entrance, wearing matching outfits. With a beaming smile, Khushi exchanged pleasantries before inquiring about the whereabouts of the boys in their group. Aayat explained that the boys had been enlisted to assist backstage by one of the professors.
Engaged in lively conversation, the group made their way inside and joined the boys in their backstage duties. Khushi had registered for a classical dance performance, while Robert was scheduled to sing a song. Encouraged by their friends, both Khushi and Robert received enthusiastic support as they prepared for their respective performances. Their excitement heightened as the principal announced the arrival of the chief guest for the function.
Khushi's eyes widened in astonishment as she spotted her boyfriend, Arnav Singh Raizada, entering as the chief guest. Surprised murmurs rippled through the group of friends as they turned to Khushi, questioning, "Did you know he was coming?"
"I had no clue," Khushi replied, her breath catching as she admired her handsome beau in his dark blue three-piece suit with a crisp white shirt underneath.
Suddenly, Arnav's gaze shifted towards the side of the stage where Khushi and her friends stood. Locking eyes with Khushi, he sent her an intense look that caused her cheeks to flush with shyness. Amused smirks spread across the faces of Khushi's friends as they observed the sweet exchange.
"Phew! Did it just get HOT in here all of a sudden?" Ishaan quipped, fanning himself playfully. Khushi responded by elbowing him lightly, prompting laughter from the rest of the group.
Arnav was escorted to the VIP seats, where he joined the principal and a few trustees. As the cultural program commenced, he wasn't surprised to hear Khushi's name announced for a dance performance. She had been excitedly informing him about it since she signed up and had been diligently practicing ever since.
Even though he had been aware, Arnav found himself mentally unprepared for the stunning and sensual sight of Khushi during each of her dance steps. Khushi had tucked the pallu of her saree into her waist for the performance, causing it to shift with each movement, revealing glimpses of her waist, belly, and navel as she executed the mudras. Arnav swallowed hard, unsure if he was captivated by her beauty in that moment or if he was feeling a surge of protectiveness, unable to bear the thought of others witnessing her as well.
A few comments from the audience caused Arnav to clench his teeth in anger.
"Uff! Look at that waist, man!" remarked someone.
"How spotless that waist is! Makes me want to put some love bites there," chimed in another.
"I just want to know if all of her is as white as her waist," added yet another, followed by laughter.
Arnav felt as though boiling hot lava had been poured into his heart. He seethed with the desire to confront those making such lewd remarks about Khushi. How dare they! Frustration surged within Arnav as he scanned the crowd, but amidst the sea of faces, he couldn't pinpoint who had made those disrespectful remarks.
As Khushi concluded her performance, she found herself panting, her gaze instinctively seeking out Arnav in the audience. However, instead of the admiration she anticipated, she was met with a piercing glare of anger. His expression was inscrutable, his eyes burning with an intensity she rarely witnessed except in moments of extreme frustration. Confused by his reaction, Khushi broke their eye contact and stepped down from the stage.
Meanwhile, Arnav turned to the principal and requested directions to the washroom. Despite the principal's offer to have a student guide him, Arnav insisted on finding his own way. Once he had the directions, he swiftly exited the auditorium. Seeking solitude, he located an empty stairway and sent Khushi a text, instructing her to meet him there.
Five minutes later, Khushi approached with a radiant smile. As she drew near, Arnav swiftly seized her wrist and pulled her close to his chest. Khushi's breath caught in surprise as she found herself pressed against him, her hands inadvertently trapped between their bodies.
"A-Arnav ji?" she stammered, confusion evident in her voice.
"Why do you wear a saree if you can't handle it properly?" Arnav questioned sternly, gripping her bare waist firmly.
Khushi was taken aback. "I can handle a saree," she protested.
"Really? Then what's this?" he retorted, pinching her exposed waist.
"Ouch! Arnav ji! Why are you pinching me?" Khushi pouted, puzzled by his sudden aggression.
"Everyone was staring at your waist because of the saree," Arnav grumbled.
"Arnav ji, it's natural for the waist to be visible when wearing a saree," Khushi reasoned.
"I don't like others looking at you like that. You're mine, body and soul. Only I have the right to admire your body. Promise me you won't wear a saree in front of anyone else," Arnav demanded.
Khushi rolled her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous! Of course, I'll wear sarees... but I promise to ensure they cover me properly," she reassured him.
Arnav sulked momentarily before reluctantly nodding in agreement.
"You didn't say if you liked my performance," Khushi remarked, her arms encircling his neck.
"It was stunning, but I couldn't fully appreciate it with those distracting comments," Arnav confessed, drawing her even closer until there was barely room for air between them. "How about you perform for me in private, where I can truly savor it?"
Khushi smiled, blushing at the intensity in his gaze. She understood the implicit meaning behind his innocent words. "You shameless man!" she teased before burying her face in his chest, eliciting a laugh from Arnav.
...-...
...-...
...-...
*** Mild Gore Alert!***
Naina's frustration reached its boiling point as the terrorists remained stubbornly silent about their boss for weeks. Determined to escalate the interrogation, she planned a brutal approach. On the pretext of going to the movies, the "super six" ventured out, as seniors were permitted to leave the academy. Arriving at the warehouse where the criminals were detained, Naina wasted no time.
Without hesitation, Naina seized one of the terrorists and forcefully began cutting his hand with a blade before the others could react. Ali and Yudi winced, averting their eyes, while Pooja struggled to suppress her urge to vomit.
The man's screams pierced the air, his agony echoing through the warehouse, while his accomplice regarded Naina with a mixture of shock and disbelief. They had not anticipated such brutality from these cadets who, during their ten weeks of imprisonment, had primarily resorted to starvation and rough treatment but had refrained from outright torture. This sudden shift in tactics caught them off guard.
"Will you speak now?" Naina demanded, her grip tightening on the injured man's wrist.
Despite the excruciating pain, he remained resolute, shaking his head defiantly. No, he would not divulge any information.
Naina's gaze hardened as she turned towards Alekh and commanded, "Alekh, fetch the packet of red chili powder." Alekh nodded without a word, his expression resolute as he left the room. After a brief moment, he returned with the packet in hand, delivering it to Naina without hesitation.
Positioning the packet above the man's lacerated hand, Naina posed her question one final time, her tone laced with menace, "Are you absolutely certain you have nothing to say?"
Despite his trembling and evident fear, the man remained stubbornly silent.
With narrowed eyes, Naina proceeded to apply the chili powder to the wounds, eliciting agonized screams from the man. Yudi and Pooja rushed out, overcome with nausea, while the other criminal trembled in terror, feeling as though his eyes might pop out of their sockets. As Naina turned her attention towards him, he hastily declared that he would divulge everything he knew.
Naina maintained a silent, steely stare at the man, her expression conveying her unyielding resolve. Yudi and Pooja had returned by then, their discomfort evident. Instructing Yudi to start recording, Naina turned back to the man and issued a cold command, "Speak."
"We're from Barmer. The King of Barmer sent us to eliminate an Army officer... by any means necessary," the man divulged.
"What's the name of that officer?" Naina asked, though she had a sinking feeling she already knew the answer.
"Captain Rajveer Singh Shikhawat," came the confirmation.
"King of Barmer? Wait... Barmer?! The same Barmer where Captain Abhimanyu Rai Chauhan is the crowned prince?" Huda exclaimed incredulously.
"Yes. However, His Highness is not yet involved in the kingdom's original business. The King has ensured to keep it hidden from the prince, knowing his reputation for righteousness. The King intends to gradually involve him, ensuring the prince remains unaware of his deepening entanglement," the man revealed.
Naina sharply commanded, "Share everything you know about the king.'"
The man fell silent for a moment, as if lost in recollection. "King Ashwin Rai Chauhan has ruled Barmer for the past 35 years," he began. "On the surface, he presents himself as a benevolent and just monarch, admired by his subjects for his apparent generosity and commitment to the welfare of the kingdom. He is also known as a doting father to his only son, Crown Prince Abhimanyu Rai Chauhan, whom he cherishes and seeks to protect at all costs."
Then, refocusing on Naina, who listened intently, he continued, "However, behind this façade lies a dark and sinister truth. King Ashwin is deeply entangled in a web of illegal activities that extend far beyond the kingdom's borders. He orchestrates various criminal enterprises, utilizing his power and influence to manipulate situations to his advantage. Human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, extortion, and money laundering are all part of his extensive operation. King Ashwin employs bribery, blackmail, and coercion to maintain his grip on power, controlling local political figures and institutions to serve his own interests."
He shrugged grimly. "In his eyes, he is above the law, accountable to none but himself. He views his criminal ventures as necessary for upholding his opulent lifestyle and securing his legacy as a feared ruler. As his employees, we admire him for this. Under his service, we have the opportunity to amass wealth as we please. As long as we remain loyal, we enjoy lives of luxury. However, should we betray him..." The man's voice faltered before he resumed with a sigh, "Even if you were to release us, our fate is sealed. You signed our death warrants the moment your forces captured us."