Mission
Rudra
đź“ŤÂ Royal Palace
Lucknow,
India.
The sunlight streamed through the large windows of the training hall, casting a golden glow over the space.
I stood off to the side, hidden in the shadows, watching as Princess Avni practiced her fencing. The sound of clashing swords and the rhythmic steps of her movements filled the room with a dynamic energy that was both captivating and intense.
Her grace and precision were mesmerizing. Each thrust and parry was executed with such skill that it was clear she had trained for years.
Her dark hair was pulled back, sweat glistening on her brow, yet her focus remained unbroken. There was an undeniable grace about her-a perfect blend of elegance and strength.
Mahadev...
Ye kya Bala bnai hai aapne!
(God, what a beauty you've made!)
But it wasn't just her beauty that captivated me.
It was the determination in her eyes, a reflection of the internal turmoil she was fighting.
I could feel the depth of her pain and drive in every move she made. She wasn't just practicing; she was battling something far more personal.
I had seen many skilled fighters in my time, but there was something uniquely compelling about the way Avni approached her training.
Then, she stumbled.
It happened in a fraction of a second. Her balance faltered, and before she could hit the ground, my instincts kicked in.
I caught her, my arm wrapping around her waist. The brief contact felt electric-her warmth, the rapid beat of her heart.
Her surprised eyes met mine, wide and startled. The air between us felt thick, charged. I could see the faint tremble of her chest as she caught her breath, her skin damp with both sweat and tears.
Her eyes are so deep..
Her eyes were deep, filled with fire and something else... something vulnerable.
The way she handled the sword with such skill, the way her eyes lit up with fierce determination-it was all consuming.
"Careful, Princess," I said, my voice lower than I intended, eyes locked with hers.
"Who are you?" Her voice was sharp, though the exertion from the training made it tremble.
Inki Awaaz..
(Her voice..)
"Rudra Singhaniya," i replied, maintaining my grip on her arm steady but gentle.
"I've been assigned to protect you by your father."
As I held her gaze, memories of my briefing in New Delhi flooded back, reminding me of the dangerous game I was playing.
_________________________________________________________________
Two days ago.
đź“ŤÂ RAW Headquarters
New Delhi
India.
The atmosphere at the RAW headquarters was tense and focused.
The team had gathered for a critical meeting, the kind where every detail mattered and every decision could shift the course of their investigation.
The walls of the conference room were adorned with maps, photos, and charts related to the recent bomb blast in Haridwar.
The conference room buzzed with the low hum of conversation as the senior officers settled in.
The large screen at the front displayed images of the bomb blast in Haridwar. The devastation was stark, the chaos palpable. I listened intently, trying to piece together the details of what had happened.
The officer—a tall man with a face hardened by years in the field—stood in front of a large screen showing the aftermath of the Haridwar bomb blast. The images were brutal, the kind that burned themselves into your memory.
"This wasn't a random act of violence," the officer began, his voice commanding the room.
"Our intelligence suggests that someone from the royal family of Lucknow has been involved, either directly or indirectly, with the terrorist activities."
The statement sent a ripple of shock through the gathered agents.
The royal family had always been untouchable, pillars of tradition and dignity. The idea that someone from within their ranks could be aiding terrorists was unthinkable.
My interest piqued as he detailed the connections. This was no longer just an attack on a charity event; it was part of a larger, more sinister plot.
The room was filled with a mix of apprehension and determination as the implications sank in.
"The nature of this involvement remains unclear," the officer said, "but it is evident that we need someone with exceptional skills to get closer to the royal family and uncover the truth."
His gaze shifted toward me, eyes narrowing with calculation. "Rudra Singhaniya, you're the best operative we have. Your mission is to infiltrate the royal family, posing as Princess Avni's bodyguard. You'll gather intelligence, observe, and report back. Discretion is key."
As I listened to the briefing, my thoughts shifted to the gravity of the mission. My job would be to infiltrate the royal family, gain their trust, and uncover the extent of their involvement, if any.
It was a task that required not just skill and cunning but also the ability to blend seamlessly into a world that was vastly different from my own.
The decision was made: I would be assigned as a bodyguard to Princess Avni Raghuvanshi. My role was to be both protective and investigative. It was a delicate balance, one that required careful manipulation and discretion.
My strategy was clear. I would need to convince the king of my value as a bodyguard without revealing my true identity as an undercover agent.
The king was a man of great authority, and convincing him of my worth would require more than just skill-it would require a carefully crafted presentation of competence and reliability.
________________________________________________________________
The next day
đź“Ť Royal Palace,
Lucknow, India
The palace was a masterpiece of history and opulence. As I walked through its grand halls toward the king's office, I couldn't help but feel the weight of my mission.
This was not just about protecting a royal. It was about uncovering a potential traitor in a world where every word, every glance, was a potential clue.
But no worries. I know my skills.
The king sat behind an enormous mahogany desk, his presence as imposing as the palace itself. He studied me with sharp, weary eyes. I bowed slightly, keeping my tone respectful but firm.
"Maharaj, I'm Rudra Singhaniya. I've been assigned to protect Princess Avni and ensure her safety in light of recent events."
Here i bait the fish.
Fish!?... Whale!
The king's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Why should I trust you with the life of my daughter, Mr. Singhaniya?"
It was the question I had anticipated.
"My track record speaks for itself, Your Majesty. I've handled high-profile security details before, with an impeccable success rate. My focus is absolute when it comes to protection, and I assure you, the princess will be in capable hands."
The king's gaze was cold, calculating. He wasn't just looking at me—he was measuring me. Testing whether I was worthy of his trust.
The king leaned back in his chair, contemplating my words. "And how do I know you'll prioritize her safety above all else?"
Here.. Fish inspected the food.
I met his gaze without flinching. "Trust is earned through action, not words, Maharaj. My sole purpose here is to ensure the princess's safety. Nothing else matters."
Yeah, dear Maharaj. Have your bait.
The king's silence stretched for a few long moments, but then he nodded. "Very well. Prove yourself. But understand this, Mr. Singhaniya—any failure on your part will not be tolerated."
Step one. Clear.
Being her bodyguard and spy on this family.
I bowed again, sensing the gravity of his warning.
"I will not fail you, Your Majesty."
As I left the king's office, my mind drifted back to Princess Avni.
Her strength was undeniable, but there was something beneath it, something fragile.
Protecting her was more than just a job—it felt like navigating a battlefield where each step could change the course of everything.
As I took my leave, I couldn't shake the image of Princess Avni from my mind. Her elegance, strength, and the sheer intensity of her fencing practice had left a lasting impression.
Gosh she's a drug.
An addictive one.
But still.
No one could be trusted here.
And in the days to come, I would need to be ready for whatever revelations lay ahead.
My mission was simple: protect her and uncover the truth.
But with each passing moment, it became clear that this assignment was about far more than just safeguarding a princess.
It was about stepping into a world filled with secrets, danger, and complexities that I was only beginning to understand.
But I had a sinking feeling—this mission was only just beginning, and the real danger was far closer than anyone imagined.
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