30 minute before on call with vihaan
I was sitting inside the jeep, ready to leave for an investigation with Director Rathore, when my phone suddenly began vibrating.
Vihaan.
Why is he calling at this time ?
I stepped out of the jeep and picked up the call.
"Candidate Vihaan, why are you calling me?"
On the other side, Vihaan's breath was uneven, scared.
"Sir please...can you come in front of Arpita ma'am's room right now? Someone is in her room. He trapped her. He lied that you were calling her urgently. When she came to meet you, but i said her that you didn't call because i saw you ..going somewhere with director , and withouth saying anything ...she ran back to her room immediately—"
"Vihaan, WAIT. I'm coming. Don't let Arpita take any risk. Stay exactly where you are."
I turned back to the jeep instantly.
"Sir, there is a terrorist inside Arpita ma'am's room. She might face him alone. We need to go urgently!"
Director's eyes widened. "Don't waste a second. GO!"
I sprinted jeep toward the academy .
BACK TO PRESENT ...............
Arpita was on the balcony, trying to calm Vihaan who was shaking with anger.
"Vihaan, listen to me," she said softly. "He said those disgusting things only to distract you. Don't lose your control."
"But ma'am," Vihaan's voice trembled, "he has no right to speak nonsense about you. I won't tolerate that!"
Behind them, hidden inside the room, Rafiq—hands tied to a chair—had already managed to take a broken mirror piece.
Rafiq's POV
Kam ho gaya.
I provoked the boy on purpose. I saw his watch strap was loose—one punch and the mirror inside broke. I knew he would hit me. The moment the glass fell, I hid a sharp piece under my palm.
Now, that officer Sameer won't save himself today...
But first, this Arpita .
He slowly cut the rope. His hand bled but he smiled through the pain—an evil smirk.
His eyes shifted to the floor.
There it was.
The gun he lost in the fight.
He slowly reached toward the cupboard and pulled it out.
"Sameer ko toh baad mein..." he whispered darkly. "Pehle iss lady officer KOO BATA huu,,sali mera kam mai tang gussa diya hai dono naa ..."
He lifted the gun.
Just then, Arpita and Vihaan turned their backs toward him, still talking on the balcony—unaware.
He aimed.
A sinister calm filled his eyes.
He fired.
The gunshot echoed.
Arpita and Vihaan froze, terrified. Their breath stopped.
But when they turned—
Rafiq wasn't standing.
He was on the floor...bleeding from his arm.
And Sameer Pandey was standing behind him, gun in hand, breathing heavily.
Director Rathore came running behind him.
Sidharth, Arpita, Vihaan, and Ishit arrived seconds later, shocked.
Director rushed straight to Rafiq, checking his pulse.
"He's alive... Sidharth! Take him to medical. I want him ALIVE. He's our biggest link to the bomb blast—and the upcoming attack."
Sidharth nodded and called medical staff immediately.
Arpita's voice broke as she turned to Sameer.
"Sameer...ye kya kiya tumne? Why did you shoot him?"
Sameer didn't answer.
Vihaan stepped forward, eyes still fierce. "Ma'am, Sameer sir did the right thing. That man deserved worse."
Director's voice thundered—
"SAMEER! Are you out of your mind? Who gave you permission to fire?!"
"Sir," Sameer spoke firmly, "I felt it was right. He was about to fire at Arpita or Vihaan. I prevented—"
"That is NOT an excuse!" Director snapped. "You could have stopped him in other ways. Throwing something. Tackling him. Anything!"
Sameer lifted his head.
"I didn't fire to justify myself. I fired to save two lives."
Rathore's disappointment was like a slap.
"This is the second time, Sameer. Second time you fired without my order."
His voice lowered, but it was sharper than any shout.
"Where is your discipline? Where is the Sameer Pandey who always followed every protocol? Who never spoke against me?"
Sameer inhaled, his jaw tight.
"Sir, does DSP Sameer Pandey need permission to stop a criminal from shooting an officer? Should I wait for him to kill someone? Is that what you want from me?"
Director's eyes widened at the tone.
"You're TALKING BACK? To ME?"
Sameer didn't look away.
"I serve the nation, sir...not the government. Not a title. And not you. I did what the law expected me to do."
The silence in the room turned heavy.
Roshni's Enter
The door opened.
I walked inside.
I didn't know what was happening...ishita inform me to come here
but the first thing I saw was Sameer sir's face.
He looked nothing like the calm, disciplined officer I knew.
His aura...
It was different. Fierce. Wounded. Proud.
Our eyes met.
And in that moment, everything around me disappeared.
Director noticed.
"Sameer, I'm TALKING to you! Are you even listening?"
But Sameer didn't break eye contact with me.
And I couldn't look away either.
My heart was beating so loudly I felt like everyone could hear it.
The room was filled with the thick smell of gunpowder and fear. Only the sound of Rafiq being taken away echoed faintly from the corridor. Everyone's breathing was uneven. No one dared to move.
Except their eyes—
all eyes were on Sameer and the storm brewing in his aura.
Director Rathore's gaze shifted sharply toward me.
"Ms. Mishra, why are you here? Who called you?"
His sudden question made my heartbeat hitch in my chest.
"S–sir... I—"
I looked at Vihaan with pleading eyes, silently asking him to help me.
Vihaan coughed loudly.
"Yes sir, she came here to call me. We had some work related to the Diwali event."
Director's eyes slowly scanned the room...
pausing on me...
then on Sameer.
His jaw tightened, disappointment dripping from every word.
"I thought—after so many months—I had shaped disciplined officers. But today... I am seeing something else."
His eyes stabbed straight into Sameer.
"And YOU, Sameer... You are the one I least expected this from."
Sameer clenched his jaw but didn't lower his eyes. The weight of the director's disappointment cut deeper than the anger.
Rathore continued coldly,
"You were always the example of discipline. Consistency. Focus. The one officer who never questioned me. Never raised his voice. Never broke protocol."
He took a step closer, voice lowering with a heavy heartache—
"Where is THAT Sameer Pandey? Because the one standing in front of me seems like a stranger."
Sameer's fingers curled into fists.
"I am still the same person, sir," he said quietly. "Still the same officer. Still the same man who will give his life for every indian citezen and this nation."
"Then why," Director snapped, "are you speaking AGAINST me today?"
A silence fell.
Sameer breathed in, eyes still burning, yet calm.
"Because today...if I had stayed silent...two people would have died."
His eyes flickered—just for a second—
toward me.
Director didn't miss it.
He turned sharply toward me again.
"Ms. Mishra, focus on your training. Soon all of you will be assigned to districts. You will learn under real officers. Real cases. Real pressure. I need your full concentration on the academy. Not on..."
He paused.
His eyes moved slowly between me and Sameer.
"...NOT on any other distraction." OR disctracting annyone
The word distraction hit me like ice.
I frowned, confusion filling my chest.
"Sir," I said suddenly, surprising even myself,
"if I may ask... what exact distraction are you referring to? And whom am I distracting?"
My voice didn't shake.
It was calm... sharp... almost challenging.
Vihaan choked trying to hold back laughter. Arpita pressed her lips together, hiding a smirk.
Vihaan whispered to her,
"Ma'am... I think someone else will need ice today. Husband-wife dono aaj Director ko roast kar rahe hain."
Director's eyes flared.
"Ms. Mishra," he said slowly, "why does it feel like discipline is becoming a luxury in this academy?"
That was aimed at both me and Sameer.
Sameer took a breath, about to reply—
But I stepped forward and spoke before him.
"Sir, there is no lack of discipline here," I said steadily.
"There is a lack of humanity.
And a lack of emotion."
The room went dead silent.
Director stared at me, stunned.
He wasn't expecting this Roshni Mishra.
Vihaan muttered under his breath,
"Bach gayi duniya... aaj toh Director ka band baj gaya."
Arpita elbowed him hard to quiet him.
Director finally turned toward Sameer again. His disappointment had now turned into a mixture of anger and helplessness.
"You both..." he said heavily, "I will deal with you later. Right now, Sameer, I want the entire information from that man. Every connection. Every detail. And this time—no mistakes. Control yourself."
Director walked toward the door.
But he stopped.
He looked over his shoulder... directly at me.
"And Ms. Mishra—
you have potential.
Don't waste it on the wrong priorities."
He said it meaningfully, then walked out with a frustrated exhale.
The door closed.
Silence.
Just breathing.
Just tension.
Just emotions.
Sameer finally looked at me properly.
Not as an officer...
not as a superior...
but as a man carrying unspoken fire in his chest.
Our eyes met.
And without saying a single word—
we both understood everything
that was not supposed to be understood.
The door closed behind Arpita and Vihaan, leaving the entire room wrapped in thick, aching silence.
Only Sameer and Roshni remained.
Roshni exhaled slowly, trying to settle the storm inside her chest.
She walked towards him—
calm steps, but her eyes burning with questions.
"Mr. Pandey..." she said softly, "main nahi poochungi yaha kya hua. Nahin poochungi aapne aisa kyun kiya. Bas ek baat bataiye—why are you shutting me out?"
Sameer didn't look at her at first.
He just stared at the floor, his hands still trembling slightly from everything that happened.
Then he finally lifted his eyes.
"Mrs. Pandey," he said quietly, "aap yaha kyun aayi? Maine bulaya tha kya?"
Roshni's brows knitted.
"Hamesha kya? Aapka bulana pade tab hi mai aaun? Itni bhi duri ho gayi?"
Sameer's jaw tightened.
"Roshni," he said, voice low and controlled, "baatein ghumayiye mat. Director waise hi hum par shaq kar raha hai. unaha hamara ek room mei hona bhi pasand nahi aa raha. Aur ye sab... ye sab aapke career par effect daal sakta hai."
Roshni blinked, the sting of his words settling deep inside.
Sameer continued, his tone firm even though his eyes softened for half a second—
"Aap baar-baar mere kareeb mat aya kijiye. Abhi ke liye... hum sirf trainer aur candidate hai. Director ne galat nahi bola. Aur upar se, aap hamesha kisi na kisi musibat mein hothi ho... aapko pata hai, aaj aapka stunt academy ki reputation ko kitna bigaad sakta tha?"
Roshni swallowed.
Sameer stepped closer, his voice now harsher—not with anger, but fear.
"Bahaar agar ye baat chali jaati ki ek candidate ki safety hum nahi rakh paye... toh sawal aap par bhi hota. Mera job pa bhii sawal uthata ."
He breathed heavily.
"Meri duty thii aapko safe rakhan ... kyunki aap mere saath thi. Aur agar aapko kuch ho jata? Pehle... aapka maa se kiya hua wada toot jata."
His voice cracked for the first time.
"I promised her I will protect you... even if it costs me my life."
Roshni's breath hitched.
Sameer stepped back, forcing himself to straighten his shoulders.
"So please, Roshni," he whispered, "apne career par dhyaan dijiye. Inn sab mein mat padhiye. Ye sab mera kaam hai."
Then... the final blow came.
"Aap distract ho rahi hain Roshni
Aur wo distraction...
main hoon."
Roshni froze.
A long moment passed—
the kind where two people break without making a sound.
She finally whispered, voice trembling but composed—
"Mr. Pandey... aap mera distraction nahi ho."
Sameer didn't respond.
Roshni blinked away the moisture in her eyes.
"Lekin agar aapko lagta hai ki aap hamare beech duri chahte hain..."
She inhaled sharply.
"...toh theek hai. Hum... aapke kareeb nahi aayenge."
Sameer's throat tightened.
Roshni stepped back, her heart shattering quietly behind her calm face.
"Na hum milenge...
na baat karenge.
I'm sorry, Mr. Pandey.
Meri wajah se aapko itna sunna pada."
And with that, she turned and left the room.
The door clicked shut behind her.
SAMEER POV
He dropped onto the bed, elbows on his knees, head falling into his hands.
The gun was still in his grip, heavy and cold—like the guilt sitting in his chest.
His breath trembled.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Pandey..."
His voice barely escaped.
"...but your career matters more."
He stared at the floor, eyes burning.
"You need to focus on your dream. On your future. On the officer you're meant to become."
His fingers tightened around the gun.
"And we... we are not good for each other."
He shut his eyes, pain rising like a tide he was trying desperately to hold back.
"You can't survive with a man like me.
Na mai koi Hero huu... joo aapko har kushi dee ska .Naa hiii koi villan...joo duniya saa aapki kushi cheen kaa lee aya ,
Jab aap apna sapna paalogi... jab aap settle ho jayagiii..."
A he said without emotion —quiet, defeated.
"...I'll make sure I set you free. Mujh jaise insaan ke saath rehkar aapki zindagi sirf barbad hogi."
because this marrige is loveless ......but i will protect you whole life bec i promis your mother
The room was silent.
Sameer Pandey sat alone—
holding a gun in one hand,
and his breaking heart in the other.
The medical room smelled of antiseptic and cold steel.
Machines beeped softly, their rhythm steady and indifferent.
Sidharth stood over Rafiq's unconscious body, his gloves stained faintly with disinfectant.
Ishita stood beside him, handing him instruments, her brows furrowed with worry.
"Sir," she said quietly, "aapko kya lagta hai... ye banda theek hone ke baad sach bolega?"
Sidharth didn't look up.
He was stitching the wound on Rafiq's arm with perfect precision.
"Pata nahi, Ishita," he said calmly.
"But as a doctor, I have to treat everyone equally. Doctor dushman ya dost nahi dekhta... sirf patient dekhta hai."
Ishita watched him silently for a moment, then asked softly,
"Dr. Sahab... agar kabhi aapko kisi apne ko aur ek mujrim ko bachane ka mauka mile—
aur wo mujrim desh ke liye bahut bada saboot ho...
toh aap kisko bachayenge?"
Sidharth paused.
His hands froze above the wound.
For the first time, doubt flickered across his face.
He didn't answer.
Minutes passed in heavy silence.
Finally he said, voice low—
"Yeh situation hi batayegi mujhe kya karna hoga..."
Ishita stepped a little closer, her voice softer now.
"Nahin sir. Sach sach bataiye... aap kisko bachayenge?"
Sidharth inhaled sharply.
"Wo insaan pe depend karta hai," he admitted.
"Wo meri zindagi me kis jagah par hota hai... us par."
Then he added with a sad smile,
"Par agar baat desh ki aa jaye toh...
main hamesha apna desh chununga."
Ishita's heart dipped a little—
just a tiny ache she wasn't expecting.
She forced a smile to hide it.
"Aap bahut acche doctor ho, sir," she said softly.
"Bilkul waisa jaisa hamare desh ko zarurat hai."
Sidharth finally looked at her—truly looked.
"Aap mujhe itne sawaal kyun pooch rahi hain, Ishita?"
His tone was gentle... curious.
Ishita stepped back lightly.
"Nothing, sir. Mujhe jaane chaiya abbb ... I have to leave." Aap kaam kariya aapna
She turned to go—
But before she could take a step,
Sidharth reached out and gently caught her wrist.
"Ishita," he said, breath unsteady,
"main... main kuch bolna chahta tha."
She stopped.
"Haan, boliaye Dr. Sahab..."
Sidharth's throat moved as he swallowed.
"Main... I..."
He closed his eyes for a second like he was gathering courage.
"...I have feelings for you."
Ishita froze.
The world went still.
Then—she suddenly laughed. Nervous. Disbelieving.
"Sir... aapko mazak karne ke liye main hi mili thi?"
She shook her head.
But Sidharth's expression didn't change.
"I'm serious, Ishita."
Her smile died.
Silence stretched between them.
"Sir... aap kya bol rahe ho?" her voice cracked.
"Ham dono... ek dusre ke liye bane hi nahi hain. Main ek candidate hoon. Aap hamare medical officer ho. Ye—ye possible hi nahi."sir aap emotinaly soch rha hai ....Logicaly yee impossible hai
Sidharth stepped closer—carefully, respectfully—and held her shoulders lightly.
"Ishita... love doesn't ask for logic.
Love doesn't check age, position, job, class, kuch bhi nahi."
His voice grew deeper, more honest.
"Love bas ho jata hai.
Kab, kaise, kyun—
kisi ko nahi pata."
Ishita's eyes softened—but only for a heartbeat.
Then she stepped out of his grip.
"No, sir." Her voice was firm now.
"Aap nahi samajh rahe.
Main nahi bata sakti... par main, aur aap—
bilkul nahi.
Hum dono ka koi future nahi hai."
Her voice shook as she said it, but she still turned around.
And she walked away—
her heartbeat pounding,
her eyes burning,
leaving Sidharth standing alone in the bright, cold medical room—
with an unconscious criminal
and a newly broken heart.
INTERROGATION ROOM
A single dim light.
A steel chair.
A table with restraints.
Silence so heavy it feels like smoke.
Sameer sits alone, elbows on his knees, fingers locked together.
He is not blinking much... but his mind is running like wildfire.
His jaw is tight.
His throat is dry.
His heart... only sees ROSHNI.
Sameer (thoughts........)
Roshni... stay away from this darkness.
This life eats people like you alive.
He rubs his forehead for a moment — frustration, fear, anger — then masks it instantly when Rafiq stirs.
Rafiq slowly opens his eyes.
The first thing he sees... is Sameer's dead–calm stare.
Rafiq:
"Saale... tu?
Aaj toh bachke nahi jaaoge..."
Sameer doesn't flinch.
Doesn't blink.
Doesn't move.
Just... watches him like a predator who already knows the ending.
He stands up slowly, chair scraping lightly — enough to shake Rafiq's confidence.
Sameer said in his cold and falte voice
"Bolne ka time khatam.
Sach bolne ka time shuru."
Rafiq laughs, fake bravado.
"Tu kya karega? Jann saa Maara gaa muja ?
Tum log sirf dhamki dete ho..."
Sameer walks behind him, leans close to his ear.
SAMEER (whisper — scarier than shouting)
"Maine kab kaha dhamki dunga?
Main kaam karta hoon... lawaazma nahi."
Rafiq gulps.
Sameer moves to the table, picks up a steel jug filled with water —
and splashes it straight on Rafiq's face.
Rafiq jerks, coughing.
"Ab hosh mein aa...
Tumhare paas zyada waqt nahi bacha."
Sameer circles him like a lion surveying prey.
"Dusra bomb kaha hai?"
Rafiq spits blood and laughs.
"Jahan tum kabhi dhoond nahi paoge."
Sameer's nostrils flare for a second —
anger rising —
but he controls it with iron will.
He drags a metal table and slams it in front of Rafiq, making him flinch.
SAMEER said slow,but in deadly calm voice
"Galat jawab."
He presses his thumb lightly on Rafiq's wounded shoulder.
Rafiq screams.
"Aahh—! Tu... tu... bhaut jehala gaaa officer chor dee nai tooo?"
Sameer leaning close, with burning eyes
"Officer hoon.
Par jab desh ke log mare...
toh main rakshas ban jaata hoon."
Rafiq's bravado breaks a little.
After continuous pressure, Sameer punches the table next to Rafiq's head.
The noise echoes like a blast.
Rafiq (shaking)
"Th... theek hai... ek hint deta hoon..."
Sameer grabs his collar, jerking him closer.
"Seedhi baat."
Rafiq smirks weakly.
"Bomb... zameen ko chhuta hai.
Upar nahi... neeche.
Bahut log... chalenge...
lekin unhe pata nahi hoga ke maut...
unke pairon ke neeche hai."
Sameer's eyes narrow sharply —
analysis switching ON.
SAMEER (mind racing)
Ground...
Crowd...
Footsteps...
Movement...
Triggered? Pressure? Location?
His gut twists.
Academy ground?
Parade? Training lawn?
Ya Independence ground?
He slams Rafiq onto the chair.
"Tune academy mein gusa kasa or kya dekha hai tuna yaha ?
Kiska khana sun raha hai tuu ?
Kisne tujhe bheja hai ?"
Rafiq laughs, his blood was still dripping.
"Humara kaam simple hai...
Humaare aadmi ko ek 'formula' chahiye.
Bas. Nuclear bom ka formula.
Ek pen-drive mein hai or woo pendrive
Jis aadmi ke paas hai..., woo hmara hii admi hai lkin woo sarkar kaa giraft mai hai
Sarkar usse chhod nahi rahi. or usa choran kaa yhai tarika hai
Hum usse chhora kaa raha gaa ...
aur tum sabko chita pe bitha kar chale jayenge."
Sameer grabs his jaw hard.
Sameer voice low, shaking with rage
"Dusra bomb kahan rakha?
Aakhiri baar puch raha hoon."
Rafiq grins.
"Darr laga?
Darr too uss wakt bhii dekha thaa maina teri aakho mai , " jabb tuu waha khara thaa tera saman hii teri biwi uss blast mai fas gai .....
biwi zinda hai naa kii mar gai ?
Sameer's eyes instantly turn blood-hot.
He punches the chair — not him — but the sound is terrifying enough.
"Tere jaise logon se main nahi darta.
Par agar meri biwi kii tarf dekha bhiii naa ...
toh tere aansu nahi... teri saansen nikaal dunga."
Rafiq finally shuts up.
But he still doesn't reveal the exact spot of the bomb.
sameer walks out, chest rising heavy, fists shaking.
Outside the interrogation room, he exhales sharply.
Sameer (thinking)
Bomb... ground... footsteps...
Damn it! Kahan rakha hai?
His eyes flicker with fear —
but not for himself.
For Roshni.
For the academy.
For everyone he is sworn to protect.
Just then a constable runs toward him.
CONSTABLE:
"Sir! Director Rathore aapko bula rahe hain! Urgent!"
Sameer nods once,
masking all emotion again —
and walks like a storm ready to explode.
Director Rathore's office felt heavier than usual.
The curtains were half-open, the late afternoon light slicing the room into two moods —
half bright, half shadow.
Just like the people standing inside it.
Arpita stood near the cabinet, her arms crossed, worry stiffening her posture.
Director Rathore paced behind his desk, tension visible in every step.
The door opened.
Sameer walked in.
Eyes sharp.
Jaw locked.
Shoulders tight with silent calculations.
He didn't greet anyone — he never wasted breath when time was bleeding.
DIRECTOR RATHORE:
"Sameer... kuch pata chala? Bomb kaha rakha hai?"
Sameer didn't speak immediately.
He simply nodded once, slow... controlled.
Then:
Sameer said in low frim voice
"Bomb yahi hai, sir. Academy ke andar."
Arpita's breath hitched.
The director froze.
"Location?!"
"Nahi bata raha.
Uski ek sharth hai."
Silence stretched.
Rathore's face turned dark.
"Kaunsi sharth?"
Sameer's eyes flickered with disgust as he repeated it.
"Woh nuclear-bomb ka formula chahta hai.
Ek pendrive mein.
Uske group ka ek aadmi jiske paas pendrive HAI ...
woh government aur police observation mein hai.
Woh chahta hai hum us aadmi ko release karein."
A thick silence hit the room.
Director swore under his breath.
"God... damn it!
Yeh aadmi pagal hai kya?"
Arpita's face paled.
She quickly regained her composure, stepping forward.
But Director Rathore spoke first.
DIRECTOR (sharp):
"Academy ko turant khali karwao.
No risks.
Iss saal diwali yahan nahi manegi."
Arpita nodded.
"Kisi ko pata nahi chalna chahiye. Said director ,
Not a single trainee should know ke academy ke andar bomb hai.
Panic nahi hona chahiye."
Arpita : "Yes sir.
I'll handle it."
She left the room immediately.
Director tried speaking but realized something.
Sameer wasn't hearing him.
He wasn't even blinking.
His eyes were not in the room.
They were scanning the entire academy —
building by building, corridor by corridor, ground by ground —
inside his mind.
His breathing had changed... shallow, fast... as if he was chasing something invisible.
SAMEER (thoughts):
Where?
Where would he hide it?
Ground... footsteps... pressure... crowd...
What am I missing?
Kya... kya chut raha hai mujhse?
Director noticed the distant look.
DIRECTOR (louder):
"Sameer?
Sameer!
Are you even listening?"
Sameer blinked once.
Slow.
Then looked at him.
"Yes sir.
I'm listening.
Aur mujhe jaana hoga.
Bas yeh inform karne tha."
He turned toward the door.
🔻 A DIRECTOR'S FRUSTRATION vs A MAN ON FIREDIRECTOR:
"Sameer!
What is wrong with you today?
Why does it feel like you're not listening to anyone?"
Sameer turned back, expression calm but voice cold.
"Sir...
main wahi karta hoon jo mujhe sahi lagta hai.
Apni job kaise karni hai, woo muja aapsa seekhna kii jarurat nahi
or kis taraha karni hai,
kise permission leni hai...
mujhe kisi se seekhna nahi."
His tone wasn't disrespectful —
it was detached, as if he had already moved on mentally.
Director clenched his jaw.
"Fine.
Do whatever you want.
Par academy ko khaali karo.
And find that bomb before it blast ."
He paused, staring at Sameer with a mix of anger and challenge.
"Now it's on you.
Let's see...
kitne capable ho tum, DSP Sameer Pandey."
Sameer didn't react.
Not a twitch.
Not a breath out of rhythm.
He simply turned...
...and left the room with the kind of cold walk
that made the air temperature drop as he passed.
The announcement hall of Himalayan Civil Academy buzzed with a restless half-crowd. Many candidates had already left for their pre-Diwali outings, but around fifty trainees were still seated, scattered across rows. Whispered conversations fluttered in the air like nervous birds, rising and falling as they waited for the unexpected "urgent gathering."
Arpita entered with two senior staff members at her side. Her expression was composed, almost too composed — the kind of calm that came only when something serious was happening beneath the surface. She stood at the front, adjusted the mic gently, and her voice echoed through the hall with a firmness that made everyone straighten.
She greeted them all and informed them that due to "certain academy-level issues," this year the Diwali celebration inside the academy had been cancelled. Every trainee and staff member was required to pack their belongings and leave for their hometowns immediately. Transportation problems, she said, would be handled entirely by the academy.
A wave of shock spread through the room.
Candidates turned to each other, murmuring frantically. A girl in the second row raised her hand, speaking out of turn, her voice trembling with confusion — "Ma'am, kal Diwali hai... hum ghar kaise pahunch payenge? Train aur flights sab booked hongi..." Another boy echoed the concern, and soon the hall filled with worried voices.
Before panic could rise, a senior staff member stepped forward and assured them that the academy would arrange everything — buses, tickets, whatever was needed. They only had to prepare and leave.
The crowd reluctantly accepted, gathering their files and water bottles as they slowly filtered out of the hall, still whispering, still confused.
Near the exit, Vihaan paused, brows furrowed. The tension from earlier — the gunshot, director's mood, Sameer's unusual behaviour — all of it clicked in some corner of his fast-thinking mind. Under his breath, he muttered, "Kahin yeh sab uss aadmi ki wajah se toh nahi..."
Arjun, overhearing him, tilted his head and asked casually if something was wrong. Vihaan shook his head quickly, masking his suspicion with a forced grin and telling them all to pack up and leave. Arjun and Karan, excited at the thought of celebrating Diwali at home, left cheerfully, joking that Diwali could be enjoyed anywhere.
Only Vihaan stood frozen for a moment, his thoughts racing.
Just then Roshni appeared beside him, her hand brushing lightly against his arm. She looked worried, confused. She whispered that something felt off — Diwali was supposed to be celebrated inside the academy with the cultural night, rangoli, and performances; why suddenly send everyone home?
Before Vihaan could answer, Ishita joined them, her eyes restless. She quietly admitted the same doubt — "Mujhe bhi lag raha hai... yeh sab uss aadmi ki wajah se ho raha hai. Kuch bahut bada ho raha hai academy mein."
The three stood together in the now–empty announcement hall, the echo of Arpita's announcement still ringing in their ears, each of them sensing that something was terribly, dangerously wrong.
The Diwali lights outside still flickered on the walls...
...but all three could feel only darkness settling in.
Sidharth sat on the edge of his narrow hostel bed, the half-zipped travel bag lying open beside him. His hands moved mechanically—folding shirts, tucking in files—yet his mind was nowhere in that small room.
The sudden order to vacate the academy rang in his ears like a warning bell.
"What is happening... and why is Sameer not saying anything?"
The thought tightened something inside his chest. From morning till now, Sameer hadn't appeared once—not a message, not a call, not even the sound of his footsteps in the corridor. And when Sameer went silent... Sidharth knew something big, something dangerous was unfolding.
He exhaled slowly, his eyes falling on the empty bed across the room—Sameer's bed.
And just like that... memories pulled him backward.
FLASHBACK — SCHOOL DAYS
It was the back gate of their high school, sunlight slanting through tall trees. Two teenage boys were crouched behind the wall, bunking their classes—Sidharth with his carefree grin, and Sameer, nervous, checking the gate again and again.
"Yaar... meri history ki class thi. Tu kyun bulaya?"
Sameer whispered, clutching his schoolbag to his chest.
Sidharth rolled his eyes.
"Bas kar, kal hii collecter bana hai kay tuja ? Chal... main bhi apni biology ki class chhod ke aaya hoon."
Sameer grabbed his arm sharply.
"Pagal hai kya? Agar mere Papa ko pata chala na... tu unhe jaanta nahi hai. Woh mujhe zinda nahi chhodenge."
Sidharth laughed loudly.
"Arre teray papa ke paas time hi kahaan hota hai? MLA log busy rehte hain meeting mein. Chal... main tujhe ek jagah dikhata hoon."
They raced to his old bike, Sameer still complaining, still scared—but still sitting behind him.
Sidharth drove straight into the jungle, up a narrow path leading to the highest cliff in the area.
The moment they reached, Sameer froze.
The city lay below like a glowing map, the clouds drifting so close it felt like they could touch them. Wind rushed past their faces. For a moment, Sameer's fear dissolved.
"Yaar... Sidharth... mujhe is jagah ke baare mein pata hi nahi tha..."
His voice was soft, almost childlike.
Sidharth smirked.
"Pata kaise hota? Tu toh din bhar torture zone mein hota hai. Tere papa ne tujhe world se alag karke rakha hai."
Sameer's face fell.
"Main kya karu? Woh mujhe politics mein laana chahte hain. Bolte hain 12th ke baad padhai ki zarurat nahi... 'party sambhal'. Jabardasti mujhe . political Business karwaana chahte hain."
Sidharth punched his shoulder lightly.
"Toh IPS ban jaa! Sab MLA–MLA ka dimaag thanda kar dega tu... IPS Officer Sameer Pandey."
Sameer laughed bitterly.
"Haan haan... tu bol dega aur main ban jaaunga. Mere papa ko pata chala toh woh mera college hi band karwa denge." khata hai ips officers , too sarkar kaa naukar hota hai unha mai 2 min mai khareed luu ....
Sidharth laughed so loudly that the hills echoed.
"Yaar... tu bolta aise hai jaise ghar ki bahu ho. 'Woh mat karo, Papa maarenge... woh mat bolo, Papa daantenge...'"
Sameer shoved him, but he was smiling now.
Then Sidharth pulled out his phone.
"Chal selfie lete hain! Wait... wait... mujhe Insta Live bhi karna hai!"
Sameer panicked instantly.
"Sidharth! Mera photo mat daalna. Papa ke aadmiyo ne dekh liya na... toh bohot badi problem ho jayegi."
Sidharth shrugged.
"Kaun batayega unhe? Relax."
But at that exact moment, someone did see the live—
MLA Prakash Pandey, Sameer's father.
The man stood from his office chair with rage burning in his eyes.
"Woh ladka fir bhatak raha hai... mera dimaag kharab kar diya hai!"
He ordered his men,
"Sameer ko le aao. Aur jo ladka uske saath hai... usey khatam kar do."
Back at the cliff, Sameer's smile faded the moment he saw torches and shadows moving through the trees.
He grabbed Sidharth's wrist.
"Woh aa gaye! Maine kaha tha na!"
He shoved him behind a tree.
"Tu bhaag ja Sidharth. Mujhe kuch nahi hoga. yee log mujhe kush nahi kara gaa ... par tujhe—"
Sidharth refused.
"Main nahi bhaag raha. Dono saath jaayenge. Tera baap kya samajhta hai apne aap ko—"
But before he could finish, the men surrounded them. Guns lifted.
One of them aimed directly at Sidharth's head.
Sameer stepped in front of him instantly.
"Yeh kya kar rahe ho? Yeh mera dost hai! Koi dushman nahi!"
The man replied coldly,
"Order mila hai. MLA sahab ne bola hai, isse maar do."
Fear surged through Sameer—but something stronger rose above it.
He snatched the phone from the man and dialed his father.
"Main jaa raha hoon. Par agar mere dost ko kuch hua..."
His voice trembled but held steel.
"...toh soch lena tum sabka kya hoga."
He walked away with the men.
Sidharth shouted after him, voice breaking—
"Sameer! Ruk... kya hua? Kya bole tere papa naa?"
No reply.
Later, the men received a call.
"Chhod do."
A single order.
Sameer returned, eyes empty. Sidharth ran to him.
"Bata na yaar... kya hua?"
Sameer looked away.
"Kuch nahi. Tu bas... jaa yahan se. Abhi."
And that was the last time they saw each other.
A week later, Sidharth's father got transferred. He tried to meet Sameer one last time...
But Sameer never came.
BACK TO PRESENT
Sidharth blinked, his eyes stinging as the flashback faded.
Every time Sameer went silent...
Every time he cut himself off...
Every time his eyes turned cold—
It meant only one thing:
Sameer was hiding a storm. A big one. A dangerous one.
And today...
It felt exactly the same.
Sidharth zipped his bag shut.
"Sameer jab chup hota hai... kuch chhupa raha hota hai."
He whispered to himself.
"Aur is baar... wajah bahut badi hai."
The academy grounds, usually alive with the energy of marching boots and laughter, stood strangely quiet that Diwali morning. A cold wind swept through the field, carrying the metallic smell of helicopter fuel and a weight none of the candidates could shake off.
Groups of trainees were already boarding the chopper, suitcases rolling across the concrete, voices low, confused, worried. But one corner of the ground held a small trio still unmoved.
Roshni stood with her bag clutched tightly, her dupatta flickering in the chilly breeze. Vihaan and Ishita flanked her, both trying to pull her out of the fog of worry she was drowning in.
"Roshu... chal naa," Vihaan coaxed gently.
"At least meet Dadi. She's been asking for you. Ek saal ho gaya sabke saath Diwali manaye."
Ishita nodded, brushing Roshni's arm softly.
"Haan Roshni... chal ja. Vihaan ke saath jaa. Main tujhe lekar chalti... par mera ghar wala too or batar hai ."Ishita eyes lowered.
Mujhe toh pata bhi nahi mera parents mujhe ghar mai gushna dega ya nahi..."
Vihaan frowned.
"Toh tu bhi kyun nahin aa rahi? Dadi khush ho jayegi tum dono ko dekh kar. Hum Diwali wahi mana lenge."
Roshni stepped back slightly, shaking her head.
"Nahi Vihaan... mai Sameer sir ko kaise chhod sakti hoon? Pata nahi woh kahan hain..."
Vihaan's face tightened—slightly annoyed, slightly hurt.
"Kyun unki chinta kar rahi ho tum? Kal subah se ek baar bhi dikhay diye? Announcement hua, academy khali ho rahi hai... unhone ek baar bhi nahi poocha ki tum kahaan jaogi."
Roshni looked away, swallowing her pain.
Vihaan continued, voice sharp but trembling,
"Roshni... tum unki wife ho. Unka farz banta hai tumhare saath rehna... chahe kuch bhi ho. Par unhe toh kisi se matlab hi nahi."
Roshni whispered,
"Nahi Vihaan... aisa kuch nahi. Woh investigation mein busy hai. Mujhe pata hai woh kyun nahi aaye..."
Vihaan sighed and softened.
"Sab chale gaye Roshu. Hum hi bache hain... aur main bhi ja raha hoon. Tumhe liye bina nahi jaunga."
Ishita smiled gently.
"Haan Roshni... chal ja. Sameer sir ko inform kar dena phone par. Woh samajh jayenge."
Roshni hesitated again—but before she could speak, the chopper blades roared louder as Arpita walked toward them, her face pale but disciplined.
"Candidates," she called out,
"You three are the last. Please board now. Dr Sidharth will also go with you."
At the mention of his name, Ishita stiffened instantly.
A moment later, Sidharth approached with his bag slung over his shoulder. His eyes searched the ground first... then lifted slightly toward Ishita.
For one heartbeat, their eyes met—
Sidharth's gaze softened, full of things unsaid.
Ishita instantly looked away, pretending she hadn't seen him at all. Her throat tightened.
Vihaan stepped forward.
"Arpita ma'am... what about you? And Roshni? And Sameer sir?"
Arpita froze. A silence stretched painfully between them before she finally spoke.
"We... will come after you. Go ahead."
Her voice was steady, but her eyes were not.
She turned to Roshni.
"Sameer has told me to send you to his villa in Uttarakhand. You can stay there until he arrives. Staff aur guards sab hain waha."
Roshni's mouth parted in shock.
"Ma'am... main waha akeli kaise—"
Vihaan cut her off, gripping her bag.
"Yes ma'am, Roshni mera saath jaa rahi hai. End of discussion. Sameer sir ka koi pata nahi... woh subah se dikhe bhi nahi. Roshu akeli nahi jayegi."
He slung her bag over his shoulder and started walking toward the chopper.
Ishita followed, her steps shaky after seeing Sidharth again.
Sidharth took a deep breath, then addressed Roshni gently,
"Roshni... Vihaan theek keh raha hai. Aap dono ki pehli Diwali hai... usse samajhna chahiye. Aur Sameer—kal se dikh hi nahi raha."
He looked at Arpita next.
"Arpita... bataao. Kya chal raha hai? Kuch toh bolo. Ham madad kar sakte hain."
Arpita forced a tiny smile, hiding everything behind tired eyes.
"Mujhe bhi kuch nahi pata. Par shaam tak sab solve ho jayega. Sameer bhi aa jayega."
She placed a hand on Roshni's arm.
"Don't worry. I will inform Sameer that you're going to Vihaan's home."
Sidharth's jaw clenched slightly.
"Arpita... tum bhi Sameer ki tarah mat bano. Kuch toh bolo."
Arpita's voice became firm.
"Sidharth, vishwas rakho. Ab tum jao."
The chopper engines roared louder, drowning out every unanswered question.
One by one, they climbed aboard—
Roshni looking back at the academy with tearful eyes,
Ishita silently avoiding Sidharth's gaze,
Vihaan holding Roshni's bag protectively, and he swa Arpita with his corner eyes , she was seeing their side only ,
And Sidharth stepping in last, carrying a past only he and Sameer understood.
The chopper lifted off the ground, dust swirling, the academy shrinking beneath them.
A Diwali that should've been filled with lights...
began with fear, lies, and a silence more dangerous than any bomb.
The small room at the far corner of the academy was never meant to be used. It was dusty, cold, forgotten. But tonight, Sameer had turned it into a battlefield.
Every inch of the walls was covered—
Blueprints of the academy.
Hand-drawn sketches.
Red markers circling possible implantation spots.
Dates.
Time stamps.
CCTV screenshots pinned with thumbtacks.
A dim yellow bulb flickered overhead, throwing Sameer's sharp features into harsh shadows. Sweat glistened on his forehead, not from heat—but from the pressure crushing every breath inside him.
Rafiq lay tied in the adjacent room, unconscious again, chest rising and falling shallowly. The faint sound of chains echoed every few minutes.
Sameer didn't look at him anymore.
His entire focus was on the board.
His fingers moved fast over the blueprint—
from the north ground gate,
to the administrative lawn,
to the parade field,
to the old water tank tower.
But each path led nowhere.
"Kuch toh galat hai..." he muttered under his breath, eyes scanning every frame of the CCTV feed for the hundredth time.
He tapped the keyboard again.
Footage of the academy ground appeared.
Normal.
Clean.
Too clean.
Then he checked the night vision footage.
Normal.
Clean.
And then...
One day.
One single day.
Footage blurred.
Glitching.
Sections missing.
Camera angle suddenly shifted.
Audio cut for exactly 23 minutes 17 seconds.
Sameer's eyes narrowed.
Jaw tightened.
"Ye intentionally delete kiya gaya hai... kisi ko shak bhi na ho. Puray academy ki is time ki footage gayab. Har corner ki."
He played the broken footage again—frame by frame—forcing it to show something, anything.
Nothing.
He slammed his fist against the desk.
The bulb above trembled.
Just then, the heavy door opened.
Arpita stepped in quietly, her face pale with exhaustion, her eyes rimmed red from stress—but still determined. She looked at Sameer, at the chaotic board, at the hundreds of clues, and let out a slow breath.
"Sameer... puri academy khali ho gayi. Sab candidates chuke ja chuke hain."
Sameer didn't even turn fully.
He just nodded once.
"Good. Thanks, Arpita."
His voice was calm—too calm.
The kind of calm that comes before a storm.
"Now you also go. This place is not safe."
Arpita walked closer, arms folded, defiant.
"No. I'm not leaving you."
Sameer finally looked at her.
His eyes were tired, but sharper than ever.
Dangerous.
Calculating.
And somewhere deep inside—afraid for her.
"Arpita... dimag kharab mat karo."
His tone softened for the first time.
"Mujhe kuch ho sakta hai. Tum samjho. You were the one I trusted after me to solve this case."
Arpita didn't blink.
"Aur tum aklay ye case solve nahi kar sakte. Tum thak chuke ho Sameer... tumhari aankhon mai dekh sakti hoon. ."
He exhaled deeply, rubbing his forehead.
The weight of her words cut through his stubbornness for a second.
But then he pointed to the board.
"Dekho Arpita... yee dots apas mai connect ho rha hai . Rafiq ne kaha bom academy ground par hai. Lekin ground bohot bada hai. Agar usne somewhere underground mai lagaya... ya construction ke andar..."
He pulled out a cluster of photos—
The parade ground,
The helipad,
The fallen storage unit behind the boys' barracks,
The new foundation work near the boating area.
"Mai har jagah check kar chuka hoon. Yet, footage from the day of bomb placement—blur. Entire damn academy ki footage gayab. Kisi ko shak bhi nahi hua."
Arpita leaned forward, scanning each photo.
"Sameer... tumne open spots mark kiye hai. Lekin agar unhone open spot choose hi na kiya ho?"
Sameer paused.
Arpita took a marker and circled the edges of the blueprint.
"Terrorists kabhi center mai open jagah nahi rakhte. They always use places jaha log guzarte toh hai... par thehraate nahi. Jaha guard check toh hota hai... par properly nahi hota."
Sameer's eyes flashed.
He grabbed another map, spread it on the table, and marked:
– The old water supply shed
– The abandoned instructor office
– The trainee equipment dumping yard
– The broken fencing area near the forest side
– The tunnel-like corridor under the parade stage
His breathing changed—faster, sharper.
He could feel it now.
The pattern emerging.
"Arpita... ye... ye sab ek cheez point kar raha hai."
She swallowed hard.
"Academy ground. But exact spot...?"
Sameer dragged the footage timeline.
"Wait..."
"Wait..."
"Yahi kuch missing hai..."
"Something small..."
"Something subtle..."
He zoomed into a frame.
And froze.
A shadow—
barely visible—
moving near the old parade stage foundation.
Not a clear shape.
Not a face.
Just a flicker.
But enough.
Sameer whispered,
"Ye wahi jagah hai. Same place jaha Rafiq ne kaam kiya tha... jaha CCTV blind spot hai... jaha koi aadmi zyada der rukta nahi."
Arpita's voice trembled.
"Sameer... tum sure ho?"
He looked at her—
a fire in his eyes that only came when Sameer Pandey locked onto a target.
"Yes. Bom academy ground par nahi... parade stage ke NEECHE lagaya gaya hoo shyad ."
Arpita's hands grew cold.
Sameer didn't stop.
He was already grabbing his gun, his tactical belt, a flashlight, and the keys.
"Rafiq ne ek hint diya tha— 'jaha sab hote hain par koi hota nahi'. Parade stage fits. And I'm going."
Arpita grabbed his arm, voice shaking,
"Sameer... agar tum waha gaye aur—"
He turned back, expression unreadable but powerful.
"If someone is going to die today, Arpita... it better be me and not the entire academy."
And before she could say another word—
he left.
Like a soldier walking into darkness.
Alone.
Focused.
Prepared to die.
The rotor blades beat against the cold morning air as the academy grounds slowly disappeared beneath the rising helicopter. Everyone inside was silent. A strange, heavy tension sat between them — something was wrong, they could feel it.
Roshni sat beside Ishita and Vihaan, her fingers twisting the end of her dupatta again and again. Her eyes were empty... far away... fixed on the clouds outside but seeing nothing.
She was remembering him.
Sameer.
Her husband... her responsibility... her seventh vow.
The words of their forced wedding echoed inside her mind like a prayer resurfacing after years.
FLASHBACK — their marrige day durring 7 vows
Sameer whispered under his breath, "Main wada karta hoon, Roshni... tumha kabhi akela nahi padne doonga."
Roshni silently nodded, tears falling as she walked beside him. mai bhii wada karti huu har duk suk mai mai aapka sat rahu gii , aap jasa rakhan gaa was hii rahu gii kabhi akala nahi chor kaa jau gii
Sameer's eyes stayed fixed ahead, voice low but firm. "Main tumhari raksha karunga — har dukh, har khatra se tumhar har dukh mera abb saa "
"Main wada karti hoon, maa aur pita ka sapna poora karungi... aur aapka bhi, sir. mai patni hona kaa har dharm nibhau gii "
Hum dono milke sab kuch theek karenge, mai aapka jeevan mai kabhi duk kaa saya nahi ana duu gii "
BACK TO THE HELICOPTER
A tear rolled down her cheek.
She suddenly jerked forward, touching the pilot's arm.
Roshni (voice shaking):
"Pilot uncle... please... helicopter ko academy ki taraf mod dijiye. Hum nahi jaa rahe... mu—mujhe wapas jaana hai. Mujhe Sameer sir ke paas jaana hai."
Vihaan stared at her, shocked.
Vihaan:
"Roshni, dimag theek hai tera? Academy cross kiye hua 2 ghanta ho gaya. Wapas jayenge toh shaam ko pohchenge! Aur waha... pata nahi kya chal raha ho."
Roshni snapped.
Her voice broke — not with fear, but with a wife's desperation.
"Vihaan mujhe koi farq nahi padta! Mujhe wapas jaana hai! Sameer... mera pati hai. Maine Unaha asa nahi chor sakti! Sab kho diya hai main... mummy papa... ab Sameer jii bilkul nahi... main—"
She choked on her words.
Ishita grabbed her hands.
Ishita (softly):
"Roshni... please calm down... maybe there is danger at academy. Sameer sir ne reason se sabko nikalwaya hoga."
But Roshni shook her head violently.
"Nahi Ishita... tum nahi samjhogi... kuch bahut galat ho raha hai. Uska phone off... uska koi message nahi... mera dil keh raha hai waha kuch ho raha hai. Please... please..."
Sidharth leaned forward suddenly, voice deep, serious.
"Vinay... helicopter wapas ghumao."
The pilot's hands froze.
"Sir? But orders—"
"Maine kaha ghumao. Abhi."
Ishita's eyes widened.
"Sidharth sir?! Aap bhi pagal ho gaye kya? Sameer sir par trust rakhiye."
Sidharth smiled faintly — a tired, emotional smile.
"Sameer ko mai bachpan se jaanta hoon. Dusro ki safety ensure karne ke baad hi wo apni safety dekhta hai. Agar danger hai... toh khud pe sabse pehle lega.
Voh... iss layak nahi hai ki akela lade. Aur mujhe..."
He inhaled deeply.
His eyes softened — and for the first time, Ishita felt those words were for her too.
"Mujhe lagta hai... kuch feeling ko ek baar chance dena chahiye. Dosti ho ya... kuch aur."
Ishita froze.
Her throat went dry.
Her heartbeat went loud.
She turned her face away — pretending not to hear — but his words some howe affect her .
Vihaan ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.
"Sir ki baat sahi lag rahi hai... Arpita mam bhi nahi gayi academy se. Kuch toh gadbad hai. Roshni ka intuition galat nahi lag rha ."
He looked at Roshni, saw her trembling, and nodded.
"Theek hai. Hum wapas jaa rahe hain."
The helicopter slowly tilted... turning back toward the academy.
A whisper of fear passed over everyone's face.
Roshni pressed her hand to her heart.
Roshni (whisper):
"Sameer sir ... bas rukhiye... main aa rahi hoon."
The wind outside howled.
The sky darkened as if warning them.
The academy campus was silent — hauntingly silent — every corridor echoing with the hum of old tube lights and the creaking of distant gates. Dust hung in the chilly air. All cadets had left.
Only danger remained.
Sameer walked ahead, jaw clenched, sleeves rolled, his eyes scanning every inch of the abandoned administrative block. Arpita followed two steps behind — gun on safety, sweat forming at her hairline, heart pounding but mind sharp.
The room they entered was the oldest part of the academy —
the storage basement.
Dim yellow bulbs flickered overhead, casting long shadows on stacked wooden crates, rusted training dummies, old shooting targets, and metal shelves covered with years of dust.
Sameer kneeled near the wall where multiple wires and old circuit boxes had been opened.
Director enters, breathless
Director (anxious):
"Sameer... k-kya haal hai? Bomb mila?"
Sameer didn't even look up. His gaze stayed on the exposed wiring.
Sameer (cold, clipped):
"Sir... clue mile hain. Exact spot abhi ham puri tra sa dure nahi hai shyad yee old parad stage kaa pass hoo skata hai lakin , Kisi ne deliberately CCTV blur kiya... aur ek pura din ka footage delete aur overwrite kiya.
Hum ussi time stamp ko track kar rahe hain." kii hma or bhii clue mil ska
Director wiped his forehead.
Director:
"Thik hai... main bomb squad ko bulata hoon. Tum dono bas dhyan se."
He rushed out.
Sameer exhaled slowly — nostrils flaring — calculation filling his eyes.
Sameer:
"Arpita, left wing check karo. Jo blueprint humne dekha tha... uss hisse ki wiring suspicious thi."
Arpita nodded and moved quietly, gun held tight.
Sameer crawled under a set of shelves, checking the underside for pressure triggers... sensors... anything.
The silence was unsettling.
Too silent.
CRACK!
A bullet tore through the air — slicing barely an inch from Sameer's shoulder and hitting the metal shelf behind him with a deafening clang.
Sameer rolled back instinctively, gun up, eyes narrowed like a predator.
Sameer (shouting):
"ARPITA! COVER LO! Yahaan koi hai. Humein observe kar raha tha!"
Arpita immediately ducked behind a large wooden crate.
The old basement now felt like a trap.
A shadow moved in the far corner — a dark silhouette slipping between boxes.
Sameer's eyes locked onto it.
Sameer (low, angry):
"Mil gaya. Face covered... trained lag raha hai."
Arpita peeked out.
"Fire?"
Sameer:
"On my mark."
The shadow raised his gun first.
"MARK!"
BANG!
BANG!
Sameer shot twice — fast, precise — his stance stiff, jaw tight, eyes sharp.
The attacker ducked but stumbled — his arm grazed.
Another shot came from the right.
A second attacker.
Arpita fired back, sliding over the dusty floor, taking cover behind an overturned table.
A third man emerged from behind a stack of targets.
Sameer (growling):
"Trained team... yeh log random nahi."
He rolled forward, grabbed a metal rod, and flung it at the third attacker —
the man dodged —
Sameer shot him clean in the knee.
Arpita took down the second with perfect aim.
But someone was still hiding...
Someone familiar.
Sameer sensed movement —
a limping figure walking in corridor, breathing heavily. and moving toward ground
Rafiq.
His clothes torn, shoulder bleeding... but his eyes full of venom.
Sameer's weapons lowered half-an inch, but his anger sharpened.
His jaw locked.
His posture went rigid.
Sameer (icy):
"Rafiq..."
Rafiq laughed — weak but wicked.
"Sameer Pandey... bahar niklo. Chupkar kya fayda?
Agar yahin rahe... toh ye bomb... yahi blast hoga."
He pointed to the metallic trolley behind him —
a small red light blinking dangerously.
Arpita's breath hitched.
Sameer didn't move.
Didn't blink.
Rafiq (taunting):
"Nikloge toh ho sakta hai kuch minute bach jao.
Nahi nikle... toh tum aur yeh academy... dono yahi blast hoo jaya gaa ."
He limped closer, smirking.
Rafiq:
"Waise bhi... tum jaison ko jaan ki kadar kab hoti hai?
Hero banne ka shauk chhod do... warna yahi... maroge."
Sameer stepped forward — slow, controlled, dangerous.
A storm behind his eyes.
Sameer:
"Tu sochta hai main yaha se bhaag jaunga?"
Rafiq swallowed.
Sameer raised his gun — the fury in his voice enough to shake the walls.
Sameer:
"Bomb academy me rakha hai... toh main yahi rahunga.
Tere saath.
Aur tujhe uss blast se pehle... main khatam kar dunga."
Arpita whispered urgently:
Arpita:
"Sameer... careful... uske paas trigger hoga!"
Rafiq laughed louder.
Rafiq:
"Hoga bhi! Aur dabane ke liye taya—"
BANG!
A sudden gunshot echoed.
Rafiq stumbled back — hit in his leg — collapsing to the floor.
Sameer didn't even blink.
His voice was a quiet roar.
"Trigger de.
Varna teri akhri saanse yahi hogi."
Rafiq groaned... blood pooling near his knee.
The red light blinked faster.
Arpita's hands shook.
"Sameer... time kam hai..."kwal 10 minute ka asa pass
Sameer didn't look at her — but the muscles on his neck tightened.
His voice remained solid.
"Arpita... us device ko dekh. Yeh manual detonate lag raha hai.
Wires color coded nahi... matlab trained expert ka kaam."
Rafiq spat blood.
"Samay khatam ho raha hai Pandey... decide kar...
jaan bachani hai...
ya academy."
Sameer stepped closer — eyes burning with rage, mind calculating a hundred possibilities.
Dust was rising in the broken factory yard. The metallic smell of explosives mixed with gunpowder filled the air.
Arpita was kneeling on the ground, her hands trembling slightly as she worked on the complicated bomb circuit.
The countdown beep echoed in the silent air:
00:10:27... 00:010:26...
A few meters away, Sameer stood alone, surrounded by at least eight armed men.
His gun was pressed firmly to Rafiq's forehead, who lay injured on the ground—blood spreading under him.
Sameer's jaw was locked tight, eyes razor-sharp.
His voice was low, deadly:
"Koi bhi hilaa... toh sabse pehle goli iske sar se guzregi."
Rafiq groaned in pain, "Sam– Sameer Pandey... bhaag jao... warna sab udd jayega..."
Sameer didn't blink.
"Nikal toh tum logo koo bhi nahi duu gaa mai , " Bhaut shauk hai naa maut kaa khel dekhan kaa". .Toh theek hai... ya toh hum sab zinda jayega.. ya sab yahi Maut kaa khula tandav dekho gaa ."
Front of the main gate,
Sidharth, Vihaan, Ishita and Roshni entered the campus—
And froze.
The entire Academy... was silent.
Too silent.
Not a single cadet.
Not a single trainer.
Wind blowing through the long corridors...
Files scattered...
Chairs overturned...
A ghost-like stillness.
Roshni's heartbeat kicked up.
Roshni (whispering):
"Sir... yeh itni shanti kyun hai...?"
Sidharth's jaw tightened.
Sidharth:
"Bohot badi gadbad hui hai.
Sameer... Arpita... yahi kahin honge."
They moved cautiously inside the main building.
Every footstep echoed.
Suddenly—
TTAKKK! TTAKKK!
Gunshots exploded through the silence, bouncing off the walls like thunder.
All four jerked in shock.
Vihaan:
"Sir! Firing... old basement ki direction se!"
Sidharth narrowed his eyes.
Sidharth:
"Haan... exactly wahan se."
He immediately signaled everyone to move.
They ran.
Fast.
Silent.
Alive.
REACHING THE BASEMENT — CHAOS BELOW
At the basement entrance, Sidharth raised a hand, stopping all three behind him.
He slowly peered inside...
And their eyes widened.
Sameer—
surrounded by armed men, gun raised at Rafiq.
Arpita—
kneeling beside a bomb...
numbers glowing red...
countdown sprinting toward doom.
Shadows everywhere.
Bodies on the floor.
Crates, smoke, broken glass.
Roshni's hand flew to her mouth.
Vihaan's breath hitched.
All four froze.
Sidharth (whispering):
"Ruko.
Ek kadam bhi aage mat badhao."
His voice was low, sharp, commanding.
Sidharth:
"Yahan har corner me gunmen hain...
agar bina plan ghuse toh hum bhi unki tarah gir jayenge."
They followed his gaze—
The attackers were perched on higher platforms, behind pillars, behind crates...
all watching Sameer like hungry wolves.
Vihaan clenched his teeth.
Vihaan (whispering urgently):
"Sir... Arpita ma'am ke paas jaana hoga...
I think woh bomb hai...
aur countdown bohot fast jaa raha hai!"
Sidharth:
"Haan. Par bina ammo ya gun ke hum bhi mar jayenge."
He pointed toward three dead terrorists half-hidden behind crates.
Sidharth:
"Vihaan... unke paas se magazines lekar aa.bina
bina backup ke close combat mat karo."
Roshni swallowed hard and nodded.
Before Vihaan could move, Ishita stepped forward.
Ishita (firm, quiet):
"Sir... mujhe jaane dijiye.
Main fast hoon...
aur terrain cover karna aata hai."
Sidharth studied her face.
Confidence.
Courage.
Zero fear.
He hesitated only one second—
Then nodded.
Sidharth:
"Thik hai, Ishita.
Par sambhal kar.
Koi zinda ho sakta hai."
Ishita silently nodded.
She crouched low...
...and sprinted.
Her footsteps were silent.
Her breathing steady.
Her eyes sharp— scanning every corner, every shadow.
She slid behind the first crate.
Checked the first body.
Clear.
Second body—
Magazines found.
Third body —
A faint movement.
The terrorist's fingers twitched toward a pistol.
Ishita's eyes flashed.
In one quick, clean motion she:
kicked the pistol away
twisted his wrist
slammed her elbow into his jaw
knocked him unconscious
Silent.
Efficient.
Perfect.
She grabbed the magazines and sprinted back.
Sidharth turned to Roshni.
"Roshni... tum aur Vihaan Arpita tak pahuchna—"
Roshni (cutting him, emotional)
"Nahi. Main aapke saath chalungi.
Aap pichhe se hamla karoge...
Main unka dhyaan bhatakane ka kaam karungi."
Her voice was firm.
Her eyes held worry—but determination too.
Sidharth looked at her for a long second... his chest tightened.
This wasn't the time, but her courage always shook him.
Sidharth (soft):
"Roshni... yeh risky hai."
"Sameer sir ko time chahiye... Arpita mam ko bhi.
Agar koi distract nahi hua... toh sab khatam."
Sidharth finally nodded.
Meanwhile Ishita returned — breathing fast, carrying four loaded guns and extra magazines.
She placed the guns down quietly.
"Ammo secure. Koi zinda nahi tha."
Sidharth :
"Good. Ishita... tum Vihaan ke saath Arpita tak jao.
Usko cover do. Agar koi paas aaye... goli chala dena."
Vihaan nodded, loading his rifle quickly.
Before leaving, Ishita walked to Sidharth... her voice low, almost trembling:
Ishita:
"...Sir... please be careful."
Sidharth paused — her concern hit him unexpectedly.
His voice softened.
Sidharth:
"Don't worry... main hoon. Tum bas Arpita ko safe rakho."
She nodded and left with Vihaan, both moving swiftly toward Arpita's location.
Now only Sidharth and Roshni were left behind the wall.
Roshni tightened her grip on her gun, whispering:
"Ready?"
Sidharth checked his rifle, eyes going cold and focused.
"Chalo... aaj inn logo koo chora gaa nahi .
Aaj koi officer nahi girega."
And both of them moved into position...
The battle was about to begin.
The air shook with sudden gunfire. by roshni
Roshni slid across the floor , rolling behind a broken pillar as bullets cut the air above her.
Sameer's eyes sharpened instantly, fury flashing through them.
Rafiq's head snapped up.
He shouted at his men:
"TUM LOGON NE CHECK NAHI KIYA THA!?
PURRI ACADEMY KHALI THI—
PHIR FIRING KAHA SE!?"
Sameer pressed his gun harder to Rafiq's head.
His voice was ice:
"Muu band kar rafiq... sameer said still pointed the gun on rafiq head
Maut tere sar pe khadi hai...
Akar abhi bhi nahi jaa rahi?"
Rafiq gave a mad, cracked laugh.
"Maut toh TERE sar par bhi khadi hai, Pandey!
Aur teri yeh akkad...
marte waqt kahaan jaayegi?"
Sameer's jaw tightened further.
His finger curled on the trigger.
Rafiq leaned closer, whispering like poison—
"Bhagne ki jagah... tum logon ko lekar marunga main...
Aur SABSE PEHLE—"
he pointed toward Arpita,
"Woh ladki... mere mission mein rukawat bani hai naa yee beech mai ati naa mai pakrta or mera kam bhii hoo jata ...par yee sab bigar diya isna ."
Arpita stiffened.
Rafiq (ordering his men):
"Maar do ise."
Two armed men moved toward Arpita—
Their guns raised.
Their boots crushing broken glass on the basement floor.
Before they could take another step—
BANG!
A single gunshot cracked the air like lightning.
Dust fell from the ceiling.
Every terrorist snapped their head toward Sameer.
Sameer's voice thundered across the basement:
"ARPITA KO CHU BHI DIYA—
toh iss baar goli hawa mein nahi jaayegi...
seedha tere boss ka dimaag uda dunga!"
His voice wasn't loud.
It was lethal.
A promise.
Rafiq's men halted.
Uncertain.
Uneasy.
No one dared move forward.
Arpita—breathing fast, fingers trembling—lifted her own gun and pointed it straight at the man blocking her.
Her eyes were wet... but fierce.
She refused to break.
Suddenly, another round of firing echoed in the hall.
The terrorists jerked in confusion.
And then they saw her.
Roshni
She stepped out of the shadows,
stood openly in the center of the ground—
eyes blazing, gun raised, breath unsteady but body strong.
Her mustered colour kurti fluttered in the dusty air.
Her hair was wild from running.
But her courage was absolute.
Sameer's chest squeezed painfully.
She shouldn't be here.
God, she shouldn't.
Rafiq saw her and threw his head back in loud, mad laughter.
"Arraaa WAH!!
Ab aaya mazaa!"
He clapped once, mocking.
"Game me LAILA bhi aa gayi!
BOL BE MAJNU!!"
Sameer's jaw turned to stone.
His voice came out like fire:
"Aakhri baar bol raha hoon—
apna MOO band rakh RAFIQ!"
Roshni flinched when Sameer shouted her name.
Sameer:
"ROSHNI!!
Kisne kaha tha yaha aane ko!?
Dimaag kharab ho gaya hai kya!?"
Maina tumha yha saa jana koo kha thaa naa , Jao yha saa ! ABHI !!
Roshni's breath hitched,
her heart pounding so hard she could hear it in her ears—
but her voice did not shake.
"MR Pandey !
Main Wapas , jana kaa liya yaha nahi aayi huu!!!...
Or ! aapko kya laga mai Aapko akela chhodkar akala chali jau gii !"
Half the terrorists instantly turned their guns toward her.
Sameer felt something inside him
But he masked it with rage, not fear.
His voice dropped low, deathly.
"Koi ROSHNI pe goli chalane ki soch bhi—
toh yeh pura basement laashon se bhar dunga."
Vihaan's eyes darted left—
A single attacker had lowered his guard near Arpita.
His moment.
He sprinted low,
silent like a shadow,
and delivered a sharp, precise blow to the man's neck.
THUD!
The man collapsed instantly.
Arpita jolted, spun around, saw him.
Arpita (breathless):
"Vihaan! Tum theek ho!?"
Vihaan:
"Arpita ma'am, aap theek hain?
Yahaan akeli kyun...?"
Arpita swallowed.
"Tum log toh... chale gaye the... toh fir—"
Before she could finish—
footsteps.
Ishita slid beside them, gun raised, face covered with sweat and dust.
Ishita:
"Time nahi hai explain karne ka!
Bataiye yeh sab ho kya raha hai!?"
Arpita pressed her trembling hand on the bomb's steel casing—
Its timer glowing red.
02:58
02:57
02:56
Arpita whispered, terrified:
"In logo ne...
ACADEMY me...
BOMB lagaya tha..."
Vihaan and Ishita froze in horror.
Vihaan:
"B-Bomb!? Sach...!?"
Arpita nodded helplessly.
"Haan... aur sirf 2 MINUTE kaa ass pass time bacha hai..."
Ishita instantly dropped to her knees beside Arpita.
Her breath steadied.
Her mind switched into combat mode.
She examined the wires—
red, blue, yellow—
twisted in a pattern meant to confuse.
Ishita:
"Arpita ma'am... yeh timer bypass kar sakte hain.
Aap left circuit sambhaliye...
main detonation lock nikaalti hoon."
Arpita's hands shook violently.
"Mujhse nahi ho raha...
yeh system alag hai...
galti ho gayi toh—"
Ishita grabbed her wrist gently but firmly.
Her voice softened.
"Teamwork, ma'am.
Aap akeli nahi ho."
Arpita inhaled sharply, controlling her fear.
Vihaan took position behind them, shielding both with his gun.
Vihaan:
"Main countdown dekhta hoon...
agar bach gaye—
toh sabko ice cream khilaunga."
Both girls glared.
Ishita:
"Idhar MARNE ka time hai—
aur tum MAZAAK kar rahe ho!?"
But there was a tiny smile behind her panic—
hope.
Arpita exhaled.
Ishita:
"Ready?"
Arpita:
"Ready."
They began.
Their fingers moved fast—
cutting, twisting, holding, analyzing—
three minds working like one heartbeat.
Sweat dripped down their temples.
The timer beeped louder.
Vihaan's voice cut through—
"2 minute Thirty seconds!"
Arpita's chest tightened.
Ishita whispered:
"Trust me... mam ham kar sakta hai ."
Arpita nodded—eyes fierce again.
Together,
they dived deep into the ticking death machine.
On the other side—
Sidharth slipped in silently behind the broken wall, crawling toward Sameer's position.
He aimed.
BANG!
A man behind Sameer fell dead.
Sameer didn't turn fully, but for a second—
a small wave of relief washed through his chest.
He hid it... but his shoulders relaxed slightly.
Sidharth reached him.
He whispered:
"Sameer... tum Roshni ke paas jao.
Rafiq ko main dekh loonga."
Sameer didn't argue.
His grip tightened on his gun.
He sprinted toward the men surrounding Roshni.
Roshni stood alone in the open, chest rising with fear and determination — but her grip on the gun was steady.
Three men approached her, guns raised.
And then—
Sameer stormed in like lightning.
His boots slammed the ground, his jaw locked in cold fury. Before the first man could even blink—
THUD!
Sameer's elbow smashed into his face.
The attacker collapsed instantly.
Roshni gasped, turning—
Sameer (roaring):
"MAINE KAHA THA YAHAN NAHI AANA ROSHNI!"
His voice echoed like a whip cracking in the air.
Roshni snapped back, eyes blazing:
"Aur maine kaha tha...
aapko AKELA chhodkar nahi jaaungi!"
Another attacker fired.
Sameer grabbed Roshni's wrist and yanked her behind a pillar, bullets grazing past.
His hand was tight on her arm — angry, protective, terrified.
Sameer (breathing hard, furious):
"Tumhe samajh nahi aata kya!?
Agar tumhe kuch ho jaata toh—"
He cut himself off, anger choking the words.
Roshni stared at him, eyes soft but stubborn.
"Toh?
Aapko kya?" Aap to mera see dur rhan tha na too aapko kay hii fark para gaa
He didn't answer.
He couldn't.
Because another man fired — and the moment returned to chaos.
Two men charged from the right.
Sameer pushed Roshni aside and spun, kicking one man's gun away, punching another straight in the gut.
Roshni recovered instantly and
fired two perfect shots, dropping another attacker from behind.
Sameer glanced back for half a second —
a mixture of anger... and pride flickered in his eyes.
Sameer (gritted teeth):
"Zyada hero banne ki zarurat nahi hai!"
Roshni (firing again):
"Hero toh aap bante ho!
Main bas aapki jaan bacha rahi hoon!"
He almost smiled — ALMOST —
but masked it with a glare.
One man swung at Sameer with a steel rod.
Sameer caught it mid-air, twisted his arm, and slammed the attacker on the ground.
Another rushed toward Roshni.
She froze for a second —
the man was too close—
Sameer saw it.
"ROSHNI!"
He sprinted, grabbed the attacker's shoulders, flipped him, and pinned him down with his knee.
Roshni shot the man behind Sameer.
Both were panting now.
Sweat. Dust. Fear. Fire.
They ended up standing back-to-back, surrounded from all sides.
Sameer spoke without turning:
"Gun tight pakdo."
Roshni replied, voice low:
"Aapke saath hoon...
dar nahi lagta."
Sameer's grip tightened.
For a second... he closed his eyes.
Then—
More men rushed in.
Sameer shouted:
"LEFT!"
Roshni turned left instantly and fired two rapid shots.
"RIGHT!"
Sameer spun right, shot one attacker in the leg and kicked the weapon away.
"COVER!" Roshni yelled.
Sameer leaned back just as she shot a man who was about to stab him from behind.
He looked back at her — shocked, breathless.
Roshni smirked faintly.
"Aapne socha sirf aap hi bachane wale ho mujhe?"
Sameer stepped closer —
anger softening into something deeper.
"Tumhari jaan mere bina bhi safe nahi hai."
Roshni whispered:
"Toh rakhiye na safe...
aaj...
kal... Abhi ....,
hamesha."...har wakt ...
Sameer froze for a heartbeat.
But before he could respond, five more men came in with rifles.
Sameer instantly pushed Roshni behind a steel barricade.
Roshni (angry)
"MR PANDEY ! Mujhe peeche mat rakhiye!"
Sameer (furious, protective)
"Ek goli lagi na...
toh main zinda nahi chhodunga kisi ko!"
Her breath hitched.
She whispered:
"...Aapko laga mujhe farak nahi padta agar aapko KUCH BHII HOO GAY TOO MAI?"
That one line cracked him open.
But there was no time.
The attackers fired again.
Sameer grabbed Roshni's hand —
pulled her out —
and together they rushed into the open.
He shot two men down cleanly.
Roshni slid low and shot another in the foot.
One last man charged at her —
knife in hand.
Roshni froze—
he was too close—
Sameer felt the panic hit him like a punch.
He sprinted.
He grabbed the man's wrist, twisted it sharply, pulled the knife away, and slammed him down so hard the ground shook.
Roshni stumbled back, heart racing.
Sameer cupped her face for a second without thinking—
"Roshni... tum theek ho?"
She nodded, tears in her eyes.
"Aapka hotey ho... toh sab thik hota hai."
He dropped his hand, stepping back quickly, emotions tightening his chest.
But she held his wrist softly.
"Mr Pandey..."
He turned his face away.
"...Aap bina kahe bhi dar rahe the na... mere liye?"
He didn't answer.
He didn't need to.
His silence screamed the truth.....
The timer kept blinking like a heartbeat on the verge of stopping.
00:00:07
00:00:06
00:00:05
Sweat rolled down Arpita's temple as her shaking fingers hovered over the bundle of tangled wires. Her breath came out in sharp, trembling bursts.
Arpita's voice cracked, barely more than a whisper:
"Ishita... yeh wire... sahi nahi lag raha..."
Ishita didn't blink. The tension around her eyes was sharp enough to cut steel.
She leaned closer, analyzing every millimeter.
Then she snapped, loud and clear:
Ishita:
"Ma'am! Bas yeh last cut...
YELLOW — NOT RED! Yellow! Don't mix it!"
Arpita froze.
Her hands trembled. If she cut wrong, they all would—
Vihaan, breathless, shouted from behind the shield:
"KAT Dijya , ARPITA MAM! NOW!"
The sound of her own heartbeat roared in her ears.
She shut her eyes for half a second.
And—
SNIP!
A silence louder than an explosion swallowed the room.
The timer stopped.
00:00:01 — FROZEN
No one moved for a full two seconds.
Then all three collapsed backward, gasping, adrenaline ripping through their bones.
Ishita pressed a shaking hand on her chest.
"H–ho gaya... defused... ho gaya..."
Arpita's eyes filled with tears she didn't let fall.
"Thank God... hum safe hain..."
Vihaan slumped against the wall, panting, then grinned breathlessly:
"Sabko ice cream pakki!
Main bola tha na — hum kar lenge!"
The girls shot him a glare—
and then broke into exhausted, relieved smiles.
with distant gunfire.
Rafiq lunged for the last remote detonator, desperation twisting his face.
But before his fingers could touch it—
THUD!
Sidharth's boot slammed the remote away, skidding it across the concrete floor.
Rafiq stumbled back.
Sidharth stepped forward, his stance solid, his eyes burning with a cold, controlled fury.
His voice dropped to a deadly calm:
"Game khatam, Rafiq."
Rafiq wiped the blood from his lip and laughed, a low, broken sound.
Rafiq:
"Khatam?
Khatam toh ab hoga, officer...."
He reached for the knife on his belt.
Sidharth didn't flinch.
He raised his gun, jaw tight, breathing steady.
"CHAL ! deakhata hai kay kar leta hai tuu.."
Rafiq's eyes narrowed—
a cornered animal ready to attack.
The tension snapped like a pulled wire.
Both moved at the same time—
Rafiq charged.
Sidharth fired.
The FINAL STAND had begun.
The moment Sidharth fired, Rafiq dropped low and rolled behind a pillar.
Before Sidharth could track him—
SHING!
A knife flashed out of the shadows.
Rafiq came at him again and again, slashing with wild, furious strength.
Sidharth blocked with his forearm, dodged left, ducked right—
but Rafiq was relentless.
A cut grazed Sidharth's arm.
Another swipe nearly caught his face.
Sidharth stumbled back—
THUD!
He fell hard onto the concrete.
The knife slashed the air above him—
seconds from ending him.
But Sidharth's hand shot out blindly—
And touched something cold.
An iron rod.
He gripped it, teeth clenched, and swung upward with full force.
CLANG!
The rod collided with Rafiq's knife-hand, sending the blade spinning away.
Rafiq staggered, but didn't fall.
Sidharth scrambled up, breathing hard, rod ready.
Their eyes locked.
Two predators.
One room.
One ending.
Arpita, Ishita, and Vihaan—still trembling from the bomb defusal—finally looked up.
Their smiles faded.
Their faces drained of color.
Arpita:
"... Sidharth fighting alone..."
Across the hall, Sameer and Roshni had also finished their fight.
Sameer whipped his head around—
and when he saw Sidharth bleeding and cornered, his chest tightened.
"Damn it—Sidharth!"
He sprinted toward him—
but—
Rafiq vanished again.
Behind broken crates.
Between metal racks.
Slipping through shadows.
Sidharth followed him with the rod, each step quiet, controlled.
Sameer followed from the other side.
All teams spread out.
Searching.
Listening.
Hunting.
The warehouse felt like it was holding its breath.
Suddenly—
A gasp.
A sharp shuffle.
Then—
"MAT HILNA!"
Everyone froze.
Rafiq came out from behind a tower of cardboard cartons—
Ishita in his grip,
his knife pressed to her throat.
Her hair was pulled tight.
Her breathing was steady.
Her eyes sharp—
not a hint of fear, only defiance.
Rafiq dragged her forward.
Rafiq (shouting):
"RUK JAO!
SAB KE SAB!
NAHI TO ISKI GARDAN ABHI YAHI UDA DOONGA!"
The entire team stopped dead in their tracks.
Arpita's hands flew to her mouth.
Vihaan's eyes widened.
Roshni trembled.
Sameer's jaw clenched so tight a vein popped at his neck.
Sidharth's heart slammed against his ribs.
Sidharth (voice deep, dangerous):
"Rafiq... Ishita ko chhor de.
Tera aur mera hisaab hai."
Ishita didn't blink.
Even with the blade against her skin, she stared straight ahead—
steady, unbroken.
Rafiq's laugh echoed through the empty warehouse.
"Meri fight?
Meri fight toh poori SARKAAR se hai!
Aur iss SAMEER se toh
tum log khud hi kheecha chala ho!"
He tightened his grip on Ishita, dragging her back step-by-step.
Sidharth took a slow step forward.
Sameer stepped too.
Rafiq snarled:
"EK AUR QADAM AAGE MAT BADHNA!
WARNA... yeh ladki aaj ghar nahi jaayegi."
The room stilled.
Arpita's heartbeat echoed in her ears.
Roshni gripped Sameer's arm.
Vihaan swallowed hard.
Sidharth's fingers whitened around the iron rod.
Desperation, rage, fear—
all boiling inside him.
Sidharth slowly raised his empty hand, palm open.
His voice dropped to a deadly whisper:
"Rafiq... agar Ishita ko chhua bhi...
toh main tujhe aise todunga...
ke tu khud apni saanse sun nahi paayega."
Rafiq smirked.
The knife pressed deeper.
A thin line of blood appeared on Ishita's skin.
Everyone gasped.
Ishita still didn't flinch.
Sameer's hand reached toward his gun—
but Rafiq saw it.
"MAT!
JO KOHI BHI HILA—
ISKA KAAM TAMAM!"
Silence.
Sweat.
Shaking breaths.
Tension so sharp it could cut steel.
Sidharth took one slow step...
Another...
Rafiq's grip tightened.
And then—
Ishita's eyes flicked.
Just once.
Toward Sidharth.
A signal.
A plan?
Or a goodbye?
Sidharth understood something in that half-second.
His grip tightened on the iron rod.
Everyone held their breath—
The next move would decide who lives...
and who dies.
CUT TO BLACK.
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