It was late, well past midnight, and the campus of KMA was eerily quiet. In Rajveer’s office, the soft glow of a desk lamp cast long shadows across the room. He sat at his desk, maps and papers scattered before him. His brow furrowed as he considered his next move. The trip to Delhi was set—officially, he was to visit the Delhi army base for a routine inspection. But in reality, it was a cover for something far more dangerous.

Rajveer had caught wind of whispers—rumors of critical information hidden in the labyrinth of Delhi’s political scene that could help him bring down Gehlot. A plan had formed quickly: a few discreet meetings under the guise of his official visit. If everything went according to plan, he’d return with enough ammunition to expose Gehlot’s treachery once and for all.

But as he sat there, something gnawed at him. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was walking into something more dangerous than he had anticipated.

The shrill ring of his burner phone cut through the silence, jolting him from his thoughts. Rajveer’s instincts kicked in as he picked up the phone, his pulse quickening. It wasn’t common for this line to ring, especially not at this hour.

“Major Rajveer,” a muffled voice said on the other end. The tone was low, cautious.

“Yes?” Rajveer replied, his voice steady despite the unease growing in his chest.

“You’re being set up.”

Rajveer stiffened. He didn’t speak, waiting for the voice to continue.

“Your trip to Delhi,” the contact said, their words clipped and urgent. “It’s a trap. Gehlot has laid everything out. He’s planning to use your presence in the city to frame you—make it look like you’re involved in something illegal. He’s pulling strings with people in high places. If you go, you’ll be walking right into his hands.”

Rajveer’s grip on the phone tightened. So his instincts had been right—this was no ordinary mission. “How do you know this?” he asked.

“That doesn’t matter. What matters is that you stay away from Delhi for now. He’s expecting you. If you show up, he’ll have enough to ruin you.”

The line crackled, but the urgency in the voice was unmistakable. Rajveer didn’t need further convincing. He trusted this contact—whoever they were—more than the false sense of security Gehlot was trying to lure him into.

“Thank you for the warning,” Rajveer said, his mind already racing with ways to avoid the trip.

“You’ve been lucky so far, Major,” the voice warned. “But Gehlot is getting desperate. Be careful.”

The line went dead.

Rajveer leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. The carefully laid plans for his visit to Delhi were now useless. Gehlot was a step ahead, anticipating his moves. Rajveer couldn’t go. He needed a way to back out, something convincing enough to avoid suspicion.

An idea formed, cold and calculated, but it was the only way. A freak accident—nothing too serious, but enough to prevent his trip.

He moved quickly, gathering a few items before heading outside. In the dim light of the campus grounds, he made his way to the equipment shed near the training area. He worked in silence, setting the stage for what would look like an unfortunate mishap—an accident no one would question.

As he sat back down at his desk in his room after setting the trap, Rajveer exhaled slowly, relieved that the immediate danger had been averted. But he knew this was only the beginning. Gehlot wouldn’t stop—he’d come for him again, more viciously, more carefully.

But Rajveer would be ready.

---

The sun had barely begun to rise over the academy, casting a faint glow across the parade grounds as Major Rajveer Singh made his way towards the vehicle that would take him to Delhi. The air was crisp, with a light morning mist hanging over the grounds. Everything seemed calm, yet Rajveer’s mind buzzed with the weight of the call from the previous night. He had no choice but to go through with his plan now.

His feet carried him toward the vehicle where his driver waited, the engine softly purring. Rajveer paused at the back of the vehicle, setting his duffel bag down as he prepared to leave, his movements deliberately slow. Every part of his body was poised for what would come next.

He glanced at his watch—a perfect timing for an accident, one that no one would question.

With a deep breath, he stepped over to the rear wheel of the jeep, crouching as if to inspect something. From the corner of his eye, he saw a pile of heavy crates stacked near the shed, ready for the cadets’ training exercises. Rajveer knew the ropes holding the crates in place had been loosened just enough the night before, their tension now dangerously on the brink.

As he leaned closer to the jeep's wheel, he gave a sharp tug to the rope he had secretly rigged. Instantly, the crates teetered, and with a loud, reverberating crash, they began to tumble. The noise shattered the morning stillness, echoing across the academy grounds as several heavy wooden boxes slammed down onto the ground.

Rajveer reacted on instinct, leaping away from the falling crates. But not fast enough.

One of the larger crates struck his right side, knocking him off balance. He hit the ground with a thud, the impact sending a shock of pain up his leg as he felt his ankle twist painfully beneath him. Another crate grazed his shoulder, adding to the series of bruises that would be convincing enough.

The sharp, agonizing pain in his ankle surged through his body as Rajveer gritted his teeth to suppress a groan. He clutched his ankle, making sure to roll just enough to shield himself from any further falling debris, but his breathing was shallow, and his forehead was slick with sweat.

His driver, hearing the commotion, rushed over. "Sir! Are you alright?"

Rajveer grimaced, keeping his voice controlled. "It’s my ankle. I think it's twisted," he said through clenched teeth, wincing as he tried to move. "Help me up."

The driver quickly helped Rajveer to his feet, but it was clear to anyone watching that he wouldn’t be able to travel. Rajveer leaned heavily on the man, his injured ankle barely able to support any weight.

"I need to get this looked at," Rajveer muttered, knowing full well that this was exactly what he had planned. "Tell the Colonel I won’t be able to make the trip to Delhi. This... accident will delay my travel."

The driver nodded, helping him hobble toward the academy’s medical wing. Rajveer allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction, knowing that the accident looked as genuine as he had hoped.

As they approached the medical wing, he could already see a few junior officers gathered around, concerned whispers filling the air as word of the “freak accident” spread quickly. The academy doctor, Captain Shalini, rushed out to meet him, her sharp eyes scanning the scene.

"What happened?" she demanded, quickly assessing his condition.

"Crates fell while I was checking the vehicle," Rajveer said, his voice tight. "Twisted my ankle, maybe more. Could you check this up, I really need o get moving."

Captain Shalini’s frown deepened as she gently examined his ankle. "You’re definitely not traveling anywhere, Major," she said sternly. "I’ll have to run a few scans, but you’ll need to rest for a few days at least."

"What do you mean, Dr. Shalini? I can't rest. I am absolutely fine." Rajveer protested vehemently.

Shalini fixed him with her trademark steely glare, "Aap fir shuru ho gaye Major Shelhawat. Why can't you ever listen to me and rest when you need to?"

"I am perfectly fine, Dr. Shalini. Aap over react kar rahi hain."

"Overreact? You are the worst patient I ever had the misfortune to deal with. I will just wait for your personal doctor hired by Col Chandra to visit us soon, Major." She fumed.

"What?" Rajveer stopped in his protests, not even faking the fear and revulsion which ripped through him at these words.

"Yes. And if you don't want me to hasten her arrival, you will sit here and let me do my job. Understood?"

Rajveer nodded, his face carefully composed, though internally, he felt relief flood through him. The plan had worked. He had avoided Gehlot’s trap and gained enough time to regroup.

As Captain Shalini led him inside, Rajveer’s mind was already racing with his next move. Gehlot wouldn’t be happy, and that meant Rajveer had to stay one step ahead. For now, though, he had bought himself time. Time to regroup. Time to strike back.

---

The sterile smell of antiseptics hung in the air of the KMA infirmary, and the soft beeping of medical equipment was the only sound breaking the silence. Major Rajveer sat on the examination table, his arms crossed over his chest, as Dr. Shalini thoroughly examined his injuries. He shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, though not from pain—more from the barrage of scolding that had been his constant companion for the last fifteen minutes.

"Major Shekhawat, you’re the worst patient I’ve ever had," Dr. Shalini muttered, peering at the small scrape on his forehead. “Honestly, you’d think with all the field experience, you’d know how to avoid getting into such accidents.”

Rajveer winced, not from the injury but from the truth behind her words. "It wasn’t exactly planned, Shalini. And it’s just a scratch."

Dr. Shalini gave him a pointed look as she checked his pulse. "Right, just a scratch. You say that every time. ‘Just a scratch, just a sprain, just a bullet wound.’ You're like a walking disaster."

Before Rajveer could respond, the door to the infirmary burst open with a loud bang, and six voices tumbled into the room, louder than the din outside.

"Rajveer sir!" came the unified call as Alekh, Naina, Ali, Pooja, Yaduvansh, and Huda stormed into the room, wide-eyed and worried.

Naina was the first to reach his side, her brows knitted in concern. "Sir, are you okay? We heard about the accident, and—"

Ali, standing beside her, nodded fervently. "We rushed over as soon as we found out! What happened?"

Pooja’s eyes darted between Rajveer and Dr. Shalini. "Sir, you're not seriously hurt, right?"

Rajveer couldn't help but smile at their concern, though he was clearly overwhelmed by their sudden invasion. "I’m fine. It's nothing serious, really."

"Nothing serious?" Dr. Shalini scoffed, rolling her eyes as she disinfected his scrape. "This man thinks a broken rib would be ‘nothing serious.’ Honestly, the only thing more painful than treating his injuries is listening to him downplay them.”

Alekh smirked and crossed his arms, leaning against the nearest wall. “He’s indestructible, doc. He probably thinks pain is an optional extra.”

"Yeah, like some kind of superhero who doesn't feel anything," Huda chimed in with a mischievous grin, nudging Ali.

"Or a robot," Yaduvansh added, making everyone laugh.

Dr. Shalini threw her hands up in mock exasperation. "A superhero, maybe. A stubborn one, for sure. But I’d call him more of a chronic patient. The kind who conveniently 'forgets' to tell you how bad his injuries are until he's almost fainting from exhaustion."

Rajveer shot her a sheepish look. “I’m not that bad.”

Shalini gave him a deadpan stare. “Oh, really? Tell me again about that time you insisted on running five kilometers with a twisted ankle because it was ‘just a sprain.’”

The cadets burst into laughter, and Rajveer shook his head in mild defeat. Naina, though still worried, couldn’t suppress her smile as she gently placed a hand on his arm.

“Sir, you really should take better care of yourself. We can’t afford to lose our best mentor because of your... enthusiasm for danger.”

Rajveer gave her a reassuring smile. “I’ll be fine, Naina. It’s not as bad as it looks.”

“Not as bad as it looks!” Dr. Shalini exclaimed, her eyes widening dramatically as she bandaged his wrist. “The man walks in here bleeding, limping, and still has the nerve to say it’s ‘nothing.’ I swear, if I had a rupee for every time he’s downplayed an injury—well, let’s just say I’d be sipping margaritas on a beach right now.”

Pooja snickered. “Doctor, we feel your pain.”

Alekh nodded sagely. “Yeah, treating Rajveer sir sounds tougher than the training drills we go through.”

Ali gave Rajveer a concerned look. “Sir, you should rest. You’re always pushing yourself too hard. We need you fit.”

Rajveer chuckled softly. "I'll rest when the job is done, Ali. No worries."

“Rest, he says,” Dr. Shalini interjected, shaking her head. “This man doesn’t know the meaning of the word. I’ve seen him ‘resting’ while reviewing files or planning strategy. I’m convinced the only time he truly rests is when he’s unconscious.”

More laughter followed, and even Rajveer couldn’t help but join in. Dr. Shalini’s dry humor and endless patience were always a source of amusement in the academy.

Huda grinned widely. "I guess if Major Rajveer has survived this long with his lifestyle, he’s practically invincible."

"Invincible," Shalini snorted, applying the final bandage. "I’m starting to think so too. But that doesn’t mean I won’t keep scolding him for every scratch he brings in here."

Naina gave Rajveer a soft smile, her worry finally starting to ease. "Sir, please be more careful. We need you here—fit and healthy."

Rajveer met her gaze, the intensity between them palpable for a moment before he nodded. “I will, Naina. I promise.”

Dr. Shalini clapped her hands together, satisfied with her work. “Alright, he’s good to go for now. But if I see you back here in the next few days with any more ‘scratches,’ Major Shekhawat, I’ll personally confine you to this infirmary. Understood?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Rajveer said with a mock salute, earning another round of chuckles from the cadets.

As they filed out of the infirmary, the warmth of camaraderie lingered in the air, and for the first time in a while, Rajveer felt a sense of peace—even if only for a fleeting moment.

--- The warm glow of the late afternoon sun streamed through the windows of Captain Rajveer’s office, casting long shadows across the cluttered desk. Papers were strewn everywhere, marked with notations and scribbles in Rajveer’s unmistakable handwriting. He sat hunched over, focused, pouring through file after file, completely immersed in his work. His injuries from earlier that morning were long forgotten, as was the plate of untouched food sitting on the edge of his desk and the unopened bottle of medicine beside it.

Rajveer rubbed his temples, trying to focus on the contents of the latest report, when the door to his office suddenly burst open with a loud bang. Startled, Rajveer looked up, only to find Dr. Shalini standing in the doorway with her arms crossed, a fiery glare directed squarely at him. Behind her, Captain Abhimanyu Rai Chauhan and Cadet Naina Singh Ahluwalia exchanged amused glances, clearly anticipating the oncoming storm.

“Major Shekhawat!” Shalini barked, marching into the room. “What, in the name of all that is holy, do you think you’re doing?”

Rajveer blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “I’m reviewing the cadets'—”

“You’re working?” Shalini interrupted, her voice rising. “Of course you are. And where’s the food you’re supposed to have eaten an hour ago? Where are your medicines, Major?”

Rajveer glanced at the plate and medicine bottle guiltily. “I was going to get to it, Shalini. I just—”

“You just what?” Shalini placed her hands on her hips, eyes narrowing. “You just decided to completely disregard my instructions? Again? I can’t believe you, Rajveer. You’re worse than a cadet sometimes. Honestly, I should start writing you up for insubordination.”

Abhimanyu, standing at the door with his arms folded, chuckled softly. “She’s right, you know. You’re always quick to lecture others about following orders. But when it comes to your health? Selective memory, isn’t it?”

Rajveer shot Abhimanyu a look, but his friend merely smirked.

Shalini, however, wasn’t done. She picked up the plate of food and thrust it toward Rajveer. “I don’t have time for your excuses today. You are going to eat, and you are going to take your medicine. Right now.”

Before Rajveer could protest, Shalini turned to Naina with a pointed look. “Naina, since our dear Major Shekhawat clearly can’t be trusted to take care of himself, I’m putting you in charge of making sure he finishes this. And don’t let him get away with pretending he’s busy. If he starts talking about cadets' performance or training, you remind him that this is about his health, not theirs.”

Naina, hiding a smile, nodded. “Yes, Doctor. I’ll make sure he eats.”

“Good.” Shalini gave one last glare at Rajveer. “And I better not see you back in the infirmary because you neglected yourself. You’re supposed to be setting an example, remember?”

Rajveer sighed, feeling like a scolded child. “Understood, Shalini.”

Satisfied, Dr. Shalini turned to Abhimanyu. “Captain Chauhan, you make sure he listens to Naina. I’ll be back to check in later.”

“Will do, Doc,” Abhimanyu said with a mock salute, clearly enjoying the situation far too much.

With one last warning look at Rajveer, Shalini stormed out of the room, leaving Naina and Abhimanyu with him. Rajveer looked helplessly at the plate of food in front of him and then at Naina, who stood by his side, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Abhimanyu, sensing the moment, cleared his throat. “Well, I’ll leave you two to it. Naina, you have your orders. And Raj,” he added with a sly grin, “don’t give her a hard time. She’s got the doctor’s authority now.”

Rajveer shot him an exasperated look. “Very funny, Abhimanyu.”

“I try,” Abhimanyu replied, winking as he left the room, leaving Naina and Rajveer alone.

For a moment, there was silence between them as Naina took the seat next to Rajveer, pushing the files aside gently to make room for the plate. She handed him the spoon with a playful yet insistent look.

“Doctor’s orders, sir,” Naina said softly. “You better listen, or I might get into trouble.”

Rajveer hesitated, then smiled, taking the spoon from her hand. “Well, I wouldn’t want you getting into trouble because of me.”

Naina leaned back slightly, watching as he began to eat. The tension that had built up over the day seemed to melt away in the quiet intimacy of the moment. Rajveer, still feeling the sting of Shalini’s words, sighed and took another bite.

“I didn’t mean to worry anyone,” he said after a few moments. “I just... got caught up in everything. It’s hard to switch off sometimes.”

Naina nodded, her voice gentle. “I know, sir. But you don’t have to carry everything alone. We’re all here to help.”

Rajveer glanced at her, catching the sincerity in her eyes. He knew she meant more than just the cadets' training or the academy duties. He felt the weight of unspoken words between them, the connection that had grown over time, deepening with each passing day.

“I appreciate it, Naina,” Rajveer said softly, his voice almost tender. “More than you know.”

Naina smiled, her heart skipping a beat. “I’ll always be here, sir. Whether it’s for a small thing like this,” she gestured to the plate, “or something bigger.”

Rajveer’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, and then he nodded, a quiet understanding passing between them.

As he finished the last of his meal, Naina handed him the medicine. “And now for the final part of your instructions,” she teased, placing the pills in his hand.

Rajveer chuckled. “You’re starting to sound like Shalini.”

“Well,” Naina grinned, “someone has to make sure you’re taken care of.”

Rajveer took the pills with a glass of water, and as the room fell into a comfortable silence again, he felt something shift within him. The burden of everything he was dealing with—the academy, the mission, Gehlot—it all seemed a little lighter with her by his side.

Before the moment could stretch too far into something unspoken, the door opened again, and Abhimanyu poked his head in, wearing a mischievous grin.

“Everything good in here?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “Naina, how’s our patient? Still stubborn, I assume?”

Naina laughed, glancing at Rajveer. “I think he’s learned his lesson.”

“Good,” Abhimanyu said with a wink. “Because if not, I’m sure Shalini would love to come back and give him another round of scolding.”

Rajveer rolled his eyes. “You two are enjoying this far too much.”

Abhimanyu smirked. “Can you blame us? It’s not often we get to see you at the mercy of Dr. Shalini.”

Rajveer shook his head, a small smile on his face. “Alright, alright. I’ll make sure to take better care of myself. Happy?”

Abhimanyu grinned. “Ecstatic. Now, let’s leave you to your rest, Raj. Naina, great job handling him. You should take over for Shalini permanently.”

Naina stood up, laughing as she gathered the empty plate. “I think I’ll leave that to the doctor, sir. I’ve got enough on my plate.”

With that, she and Abhimanyu left the room, leaving Rajveer alone with his thoughts once again. As the door clicked shut behind them, he couldn’t help but feel a strange warmth settle over him—the kind of comfort that only came from being surrounded by people who truly cared.

---

Author's Note:

Do let me know how you liked the chapter. I updated it because, well, this was done, I have a day off, and I really wanted to post this chapter.

Since this is a double update, double your votes, people.

Love ~Flavia