Ayaan was checking the straps of his duffel bag when a familiar voice rang in his ears.
"So, Ayaan, is your luggage finally ready, or are you planning to leave something behind for the thrill of it?" Dev leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. "Maybe an extra sock? A toothbrush? Or wait your sanity?"
Ayaan shot him a flat look. "Funny. Maybe I should leave you behind instead."
Dev chuckled, stepping closer. "I'd love to continue this heartwarming banter, but we don't have time. We need to catch the train, and unlike you, I actually enjoy being on schedule."
Ayaan exhaled sharply, zipping up his bag. "You wouldn't get it."
Dev arched an eyebrow. "Oh? Enlighten me, then. Is it the overwhelming excitement of reuniting with your mother and brothers, or... something else?" He wiggled his eyebrows mischievously.
Ayaan ignored him, slinging the bag over his shoulder. "I'm leaving before you start analyzing my entire existence."
Dev burst into laughter. "Too late for that, my friend. Too late."
Ten minutes later, Dev checked his watch and called out, "Ayaan, let's go! We don't have much time; we need to catch the train."
Ayaan slung his bag over his shoulder and walked alongside Dev toward the main gate. As they stepped outside, the sight of a vehicle pulling up made them slow their pace.
It was different from the military trucks they were used to. Rathore sat inside, but as the door opened, he stepped out with his usual composed expression.However, what stood out even more was the unfamiliar man leaning against the vehicle.
He took a slow drag of his cigarette, the burning ember glowing in the dimming daylight. He was older, rugged, and carried an air of quiet danger. His posture was relaxed, yet there was something about the way he held the shotgun slung over his shoulder—casual, but effortlessly controlled.
His sharp gaze flickered toward Ayaan and Dev, scanning them in an instant before looking away as if he had already judged them unworthy of further interest.
Ayaan felt a strange tension settle over him.There was something unsettling about him. The casual way he held his shotgun, the way he stood without a hint of tension, as if he was always ready. He didn't seem like an ordinary soldier or officer. His presence alone carried a silent authority, but it was different from Rathore's. More dangerous. More unpredictable. Ayaan wasn't sure if he was an ally or something else entirely.
But now wasn't the time to dwell on it.
Without saying another word, Ayaan and Dev ignored the tension and stepped out through the main gate. As they passed, Ayaan gave a respectful nod to Rathore, who returned a brief glance but said nothing. Rathore's silence held a meaning of its own—one Ayaan didn't have time to decipher.
Once outside, they spotted the jeep waiting for them. Without hesitation, they loaded their luggage and climbed inside, the vehicle roaring to life. As the jeep pulled away toward the railway station, Ayaan exhaled, watching the training grounds disappear behind him.As Ayaan stepped into the jeep, he felt an unsettling gaze on him. His eyes flickered to the side—the unfamiliar man was staring right at him. There was no emotion, no curiosity, just a cold, assessing look that made Ayaan's irritation rise. Who the hell was this guy?
He clenched his jaw and turned away, ignoring the feeling of unease creeping up his spine. The jeep started moving, leaving the training grounds behind. But even as they drove off, Ayaan couldn't shake off the weight of that gaze.
---
Meanwhile, back at the main gate, Rathore's patience snapped.
"Captain Raavan ,Why the hell are you here?" he barked, his voice sharp with frustration. "According to rules and orders, you have no authority to appear in my training groups."
The unfamiliar man, still holding his cigarette, exhaled a trail of smoke before responding in a cold, indifferent voice.
"Shh. In my opinion, rules and orders are just tools to hide the truth. And frankly, I don't give a f* about your training groups."
Rathore's fists clenched. "Shut the—"
Before he could finish, the man cut him off.
"I already told you—I don't give a damn." He flicked the cigarette aside and took a step closer. "But answer my questions.
First—give me details about those three members.
Second—why were only two selected?
And third—" his gaze darkened, voice lowering slightly, "—is that third one related to shei..?"
Rathore didn't let him finish. His grip shot out, grabbing the man's collar and pulling him close. His tone was sharp, warning.
"If you want answers, go ask the president yourself." His lips curled into a smirk. "Oh wait—you don't dare to, do you? Not because of him, but because of his bodyguard, Rudra ."
The man's expression didn't change. Unbothered. Unmoved.
Rathore pulled out his phone, his fingers hovering over the dial.
Only then did the man let out a dry chuckle, raising his hands in mock surrender.
"Relax, relax. I'll leave now." He turned away, pausing only to add one last sentence—his voice eerily calm.
"But no matter what happens , only 2.5 years remain.You know What I mean, which is inevitable."
Rathore stiffened, his expression shifting for the first time. But before he could respond, the man was already gone.
---
The train swayed gently as Ayaan sank into his seat, the rhythmic sound of the tracks beneath him. He exhaled, finally allowing himself to relax.
It was time to return home