The rhythmic cadence of boots thudding against the hard-packed earth echoed through the Kanchanjunga Military Academy's training grounds. Major Rajveer Singh Shekhawat stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes scanning the lines of cadets moving in perfect synchronization. The early morning sun bathed the scene in a warm, golden hue, casting long shadows across the field.

Shouts of "Left! Right! Left!" rang out in sharp, precise tones from drill instructors. The clanging of rifles as cadets practiced their arms drill filled the air, a comforting sound that Rajveer had grown accustomed to over the years. Yet today, the pride he usually felt when watching the new recruits in action was absent. His thoughts were far from the academy, caught in a web of doubt and confusion.

His attention faltered as his mind replayed the cryptic conversation he had with Major Soham Agnihotri days earlier. Rajveer's usual steady composure wavered. Naveen Ahluwalia-his best friend, his brother in arms-had been branded a traitor to the nation. The stain on Naveen's name had haunted Rajveer ever since. But Soham had hinted otherwise. Could the higher ups there have realized that there was more to the story? Rajveer couldn't shake the unease gnawing at him, a constant whisper that perhaps he hadn't been told the entire truth.

A loud bark from a nearby sergeant snapped Rajveer back to the present. The cadets were being drilled to perfection, their movements sharp, their discipline unwavering. He felt a brief surge of pride. These young men and women represented the future of the armed forces, the protectors of the nation's honor. And yet, even here, in the sacred grounds of the academy, Rajveer couldn't escape the shadows of the past.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Rajveer turned, his sharp gaze landing on Major Soham Agnihotri. The man moved with a deliberate calm, his lean figure casting a long shadow across the grounds. His uniform was immaculate, the insignia of his rank gleaming in the sunlight. There was a gravity about him today that Rajveer couldn't ignore.

"Major Shekhawat," Soham called out, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of something deeper.

Rajveer nodded in acknowledgment but didn't speak. He sensed that whatever Soham had to say, it wasn't meant for public ears.

"We need to talk," Soham said quietly as he neared, his tone low enough to be drowned out by the constant drills.

Rajveer studied Soham's face, searching for clues, but the man's expression remained unreadable. There was a tension in the air, the kind that made Rajveer's instincts prickle with caution. Without another word, he followed Soham away from the training grounds, the distant sounds of cadets fading behind them as they moved towards a more secluded area near the officer's quarters.

The two men walked in silence until they reached the shadow of a large tree. Rajveer leaned against its trunk, arms crossed over his chest, his eyes narrowing slightly as he regarded Soham. They had known each other for years, but today there was a shift in the dynamic between them. It felt as if Soham was about to reveal something that would change everything.

"I'm not here by accident, Rajveer," Soham began, his voice low and controlled. "My assignment at KMA wasn't random."

Rajveer frowned, the words stirring something deep within him. "What are you saying, Soham?" His voice was cautious, as if testing the waters of a dangerous conversation.

Soham met Rajveer's gaze, his expression grave. "I'm part of Defense Intelligence. My real mission here has been to monitor certain individuals-high-profile targets. One of those individuals is Lala Gehlot."

Rajveer felt a jolt of shock ripple through him. His foster father? The man who had taken him in, mentored him, and helped him rise through the ranks of the army? The Defense Minister? "What are you talking about?" Rajveer demanded, his voice tight with disbelief. "Lala Gehlot is my father, Soham. He's dedicated his life to serving this country."

Soham didn't flinch. "I know. And I wish I didn't have to be the one to tell you this. But Gehlot has been involved in some very dirty dealings, Rajveer. Money, arms, corruption-he's at the center of it all. The man you think you know... he's been playing a dangerous game."

Rajveer's world shifted. He took a step forward, his jaw clenched. "That's impossible," he said, the denial thick in his voice.

Soham shook his head slowly. "I've seen the evidence, Rajveer. Gehlot has been orchestrating illegal arms trades, using his position in the Ministry of Defense to cover his tracks. He's made millions off the suffering of others. And your friend Naveen... he uncovered the truth."

The mention of Naveen's name sent a wave of anger coursing through Rajveer. His fists clenched at his sides. "Naveen was branded a traitor," he said, his voice low, dangerous. "He was accused of betraying this country. He died with that stain on his name."

Soham took a deep breath. "Naveen was framed. He wasn't a traitor, Rajveer. He found out about Gehlot's operations-he had proof. But before he could expose it, he was silenced. Gehlot made sure of it."

Rajveer's heart pounded in his chest. The air felt thick, heavy with the weight of Soham's revelations. "And you're telling me this now? After all these years?"

"I didn't know the full story until recently," Soham replied, his voice tinged with regret. "I've been gathering intelligence for years, trying to piece it together. And now, I need your help."

Rajveer's eyes narrowed. "Help? With what?"

Soham's gaze was intense. "Naveen left something behind. A red box. It's encrypted, and we believe it contains the evidence he gathered before his death. If we can decode it, we can bring Gehlot's entire network down. But I need you to find it."

Rajveer's mind raced, his thoughts colliding with one another in a chaotic swirl. Could it be true? Was the intelligence wing finally going to defend its best soldier? Was the intelligence trying to clear Naveen's name? After all, who better than Rajveer knew about Naveen's innocence. And if so, what did that mean for Lala Gehlot-the man he had trusted, the man who had raised him?

Before Rajveer could respond, a soft voice called his name. He turned to see Naina Singh Ahluwalia standing a few paces away, her dark eyes filled with curiosity and concern.

"Rajveer Sir?" she asked, her voice hesitant.

Rajveer's heart skipped a beat. Naina-Naveen's younger sister, the girl he had sworn to protect. The girl who stirred feelings within him that he had struggled to suppress for years. Her presence now, at this moment, felt like a twist of fate.

Soham glanced at her briefly before turning back to Rajveer. "Think about what I've said," he murmured. "We don't have much time."

With that, Soham turned and walked away, leaving Rajveer standing in the shade of the tree, his mind a storm of conflicting emotions. He watched Soham's retreating figure for a moment before turning his attention back to Naina.

"Is everything alright?" she asked, stepping closer.

Rajveer forced a tight smile, trying to push the turmoil within him aside. "Just some military matters," he replied, his voice carefully controlled. But he could see the worry in her eyes. She wasn't easily fooled.

"You're lying," she said softly, her gaze searching his. "I can tell something's wrong."

Rajveer sighed, his shoulders sagging ever so slightly. She always had a way of seeing through his defenses, of cutting through the layers he kept so carefully in place. He looked at her, really looked at her, and felt the weight of the unspoken words between them. He wanted to tell her everything, to unburden himself, but he couldn't. Not yet.

"Naina, it's complicated," he said finally, his voice strained.

She reached out and touched his arm, her fingers light against his skin. "Rajveer... whatever it is, I'm here for you."

Her touch sent a jolt of warmth through him, a fleeting moment of comfort in the midst of the storm raging inside him. He wanted to hold on to that feeling, to her, but the path ahead was filled with darkness and uncertainty.

"I know," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I know."

But even as he said the words, a cold realization settled over him. The truth he had just learned could destroy everything he held dear-his loyalty, his honor, and the fragile connection he shared with Naina.

And there was no turning back.

~~~●○●~~~●○●~~~

Author's Note:

Hello People,

I am back. Yes, back from the dead and no, I am still alive. (ducks tamatars and eggs).

I am really sorry for leaving without notice, but personal life and work pressure left no time for writing.

Though I was not entirely idle and the entire story did flesh itself out in my mind, but putting them on paper became difficult.

However, here I am and the next 3 chapters are already written. I will be posting the next on Sunday, maybe a day earlier.

In the meantime, do read this part, review and vote.

Lots of Love ❤️ ~Flavia