Arjun’s gaze lingered on Nimmi’s sleeping face, her features softened in the faint light of the car’s interior. Despite the chaos they were fleeing, she looked peaceful, as though her dreams offered her a temporary escape from the storm engulfing their lives.

But Arjun’s mind was anything but peaceful. As he stroked a stray strand of hair from her face, memories surged to the forefront. The memory of that fateful night three months ago, the night when everything began to unravel.

***

It had been a grand evening, filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. Ranjeet had finally tied the knot with General Bakshi’s daughter, Ananya, a match that was both celebrated and scrutinized due to the power dynamics involved. The reception was lavish, hosted in one of the most prestigious banquet halls in the city. Chandeliers bathed the hall in golden light, and the tables were adorned with extravagant floral arrangements.

Nimmi had been radiant that evening, wearing a navy-blue saree Arjun had picked out for her. Her laughter had rung like a melody amidst the chatter of the crowd as she mingled with guests, her natural warmth drawing people in.

"You’re staring again," Ranjeet had teased, nudging Arjun with a playful grin as they stood by the bar.

Arjun smirked, not bothering to deny it. "Can you blame me?" he replied, watching Nimmi as she spoke animatedly with Ananya.

"She’s something special," Ranjeet agreed, clinking his glass against Arjun’s. "You’re a lucky man."

Arjun’s gaze softened. "I know."

The night had been perfect. Or so it seemed.

Just as Arjun was about to return to Nimmi's side, he caught sight of Veenit Ahuja making his way toward them. Dressed sharply in a tailored black suit, Veenit exuded confidence, his easy charm evident in the way he greeted people along the way. Despite his notorious reputation, Veenit's presence had a magnetic pull, especially in social settings.

"Ah, Major Arjun!" Veenit's voice boomed as he approached. He gave Arjun a hearty pat on the back before turning to Ranjeet and the general. "And of course, the newlywed and his esteemed father-in-law. Congratulations are in order!"

"Thank you, Veenit," Ranjeet replied warmly, shaking his hand.

General Bakshi, always the diplomat, smiled and nodded. "Your presence here means a lot, Veenit. Please convey my regards to your father."

"I will, General," Veenit said smoothly, his grin widening. "He wanted to come himself, but you know how things are. The Prime Minister’s schedule is relentless."

Arjun observed the exchange silently, his mind flickering between memories of his interactions with Veenit and the words General Bakshi had spoken earlier. Veenit Ahuja, son of Prime Minister Ahuja, had always maintained a cordial relationship with Arjun. They had shared drinks, conversations, and even a few laughs in the past.

But as days went on, Veenit had gained confidence and rose through the ranks of the ruling party quickly. He worked as his father's right hand and handled most of his illegal dealings. Just a few days ago, he was suspected in a bank robbery. Along with that repeated harassment of women in public had been noted. Rumors were once his eye fell on a woman, she was then his. By will or force. His father's power made him invincible.

"Arjun," Veenit said, turning his attention to him, "you've been avoiding me lately. What's the matter? Too busy with missions or just tired of my company?"

Arjun forced a small smile. "You know how it is, Veenit. Duty comes first."

Veenit laughed, clapping Arjun on the shoulder. "Spoken like a true soldier. But don’t forget, the country needs men like you to stay sane. Come by for dinner soon. Father would love to hear your thoughts on the current situation."

Ranjeet glanced at Arjun, their eyes meeting for a brief moment. Arjun could sense the unspoken tension in the air.

"Of course," Arjun replied, keeping his tone neutral.

As Veenit turned back to Ranjeet and General Bakshi, engaging them in polite conversation, Arjun felt a knot tighten in his stomach. There was something about Veenit's demeanor tonight that felt off. An air of confidence that bordered on arrogance, as if he knew he was untouchable.

From the corner of his eye, Arjun noticed Nimmi watching them from across the room. Her eyes softened when they met his, and for a moment, the weight of the evening lifted. But as Veenit's laughter echoed in his ears, Arjun couldn’t shake the feeling that the night's festivities masked something far more sinister.

The party downstairs was in full swing, laughter and music reverberating through the grand halls of the banquet venue. Guests raised their glasses in toast after toast, celebrating the union of Ranjeet and Ananya, a marriage that symbolized strength and alliance within their circles. Yet, while the merriment continued, a far more serious conversation unfolded upstairs in a secluded room.

Arjun sat with General Bakshi, Ranjeet, and a few other trusted officers. The air was thick with tension as the general outlined the brewing conflict within the government and military. Arjun listened intently, his mind sharpening with every word.

"Gentlemen," General Bakshi said gravely, "we are no longer dealing with politics. This is survival. Prime Minister Ahuja's decisions are endangering the country. Our mission is clear. We cannot let personal relationships or hesitations get in the way. Are we all on the same page?"

Ranjeet nodded, his expression grim, while Arjun remained silent, his jaw tight. His mind was racing, calculating risks and consequences. The weight of their decisions bore down on him, but he masked it well. If push come to shove, they would have to overthrow Ahuja government and forcefully make him resign.

Just as General Bakshi leaned forward to detail the next steps, the door burst open, and Ananya stumbled in, her face pale and her eyes wide with panic.

"Arjun!" she cried, rushing toward him. "It’s Nimmi!"

Arjun shot up from his seat, his heart pounding. "What happened? Where is she?"

"Veenit," Ananya gasped, her voice trembling. "He's... he's drunk, and he has been harassing her. I tried to stop him, but now he has taken her! His men stopped anyone from interfering. He's forcing her into his car!"

The room fell silent for a beat, the gravity of her words sinking in. Arjun's hands clenched into fists, his entire body tensing with a mix of rage and fear.

"Where?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Ananya pointed toward the back entrance of the venue. "He's in the parking lot. Please, Arjun, you have to stop him before he---"

Arjun didn't wait for her to finish. He bolted out of the room, his mind singularly focused on Nimmi. Ranjeet was right behind him, calling out orders to a few soldiers stationed nearby to follow.

As he descended the grand staircase, weaving through the crowd of shocked and horrified people, Arjun's heart thundered in his chest. Everyone had witnessed this. From the banquet hall filled with officer's families and relatives, an army man's woman had been kidnapped! It was no small matter. A national scandal it was!

He thought of Nimmi, her laughter earlier that evening, her radiant smile as she mingled with guests. The thought of her in danger, in Veenit's clutches, ignited a fire within him.

By the time Arjun reached the parking lot, it was already empty.

To be continued....