The next morning, I made my way to RAW headquarters with a heavy heart. The breach of the photos was severe, and I knew I had to report them. A sense of dread gnawed at me as I walked through the familiar corridors. This wasn't just about my reputation—it was about my mission, my career, and my safety.

I knocked on Director Mehra's door, my hand trembling slightly. "Come in," his deep voice called out.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside. He looked up from his desk, his expression unreadable. "Agent Phoenix, what brings you here?"

I took a deep breath and placed the photo envelope on his desk. "Sir, we have a problem."

He picked up the envelope and began sifting through the photographs. His face darkened with each passing second. "Where did these come from?" he demanded, his voice icy.

"They were delivered to my aunt, Seema. I don't know who sent them or why," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

His eyes bore into mine. "And the man in the photos—Kunal. He is one of our agents, isn't he?"

I nodded. "Yes, sir. He is my colleague. We were... involved."

His expression turned furious. "You know our protocols, Aarohi. Personal relationships between agents are strictly prohibited. This kind of behavior compromises our missions and puts everyone at risk."

I felt a pang of guilt. "I understand, sir," I said quietly.

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "There will be repercussions for this, Aarohi. For both you and Kunal."

Later that day, Kunal and I sat across from Director Mehra in his office. Kunal looked as tense as I felt.

"You both have been compromised," he stated bluntly. "Your relationship has jeopardized your positions and our missions. Effective immediately, you are both suspended from field operations."

Kunal clenched his jaw but remained silent. I felt anger and regret, but I knew he was right. We had broken protocol, and now we were paying the price.

"However," Director Mehra continued, "we need to find out who is behind these photos. This could be a serious threat to our entire organization."

I nodded. "Yes, sir. We need to track down the source."

Director Mehra leaned forward. "Do you have any leads?"

I hesitated, then spoke. "The timing and precision of these photos struck me. It feels personal like someone is targeting me specifically."

Kunal spoke up, his voice steady. "We need to start by tracing where the photos were taken and who had access to that information."

He nodded. "Agreed. But you both will not be the ones to investigate this. You were my best agents, but your one mistake will cost you as well as our agency a lot." We both could only nod and look away in guilt.

"Kunal, you can leave now. I've sent a file to your desk. I want you to get started on that case immediately." Kunal nodded and left the office.

"Now, Aarohi. I want you to work on the case of Vikram Sharma. Have you heard of him?" He got up from his desk and walked to the ceiling-high window.

"No, sir," I said.

"He is a businessman, a powerful one. Almost everyone who knows him is aware of his corruption, but he has never been caught despite numerous accusations. He is cunning and manipulative, with deep connections to the underworld. We have received intelligence that he is involved in arms deals with terrorists." He turned and walked back to his desk.

I nodded. "What do you want me to do, sir?"

"I want you to gather information about him and the people working with him. You'll be going on an undercover mission." I looked at him, surprised. Wasn't I suspended from field operations?

"I know what you're thinking. Let me clarify," he said, scolding me as he had in my training days, much like my father did when I made a mistake. I nodded.

"You will go on this mission, but in official records, there will be no Agent Phoenix. This mission will be off the books." I was confused.

"I don't understand. If you want me to go on a mission, why suspend me? What reason will I give for resigning? And why do I have to do this when I've been on undercover missions for years?" I asked, perplexed.

"Seven years ago, there was a similar intelligence report received. Not by us, but by a civil officer." I froze in my seat. Was he talking about my... father?

"An IAS officer, to be precise. He and his team pursued the case, going on numerous missions, both undercover and official. But they couldn't find any clues. After many attempts, he was asked to drop the mission and return to his duties as time had been wasted. Yet, the officer continued his search for proof in secret and did find something significant. But before he could share it or submit it to the authorities, he died. I trust you understand who I'm talking about." I was silent. After seven years, there was finally a lead, and I didn't know how to react.

"Yes, Aarohi, I'm talking about IAS officer Abhijeet Mehra. We don't know if his death is related to this or if Vikram Sharma had any role in it, but the timing is suspicious." When I remained silent, he came toward me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder, breaking my stance.

"I... I remember that name from seven years ago," I said slowly.

"What?" he asked.

"It's not a clear memory, but I remember my mother crying while my father consoled her, saying he was completely safe and that no one knew he continued his search for Vikram Sharma. My mother was very scared. She... she was holding him tightly and kept saying, 'Please... please don't do this. It's dangerous,' and my father kept reassuring her. That's all I remember. I think they were talking about the same Vikram." I shook my head to clear the terrifying images of my mother from my mind.

"I want... no, I need to do this. I need to bring justice to my parents, to Anaya, to... myself. Please tell me what mission you have planned. I need to start as soon as possible. I have to..."

"Aarohi, calm down. Calm down," he said, hugging me. It was the only fatherly embrace I had received from him in seven years. The first time was when he revealed the truth about my parents' death.

"I know what this means to you, but I need you to remain calm and focus on the mission. Our emotions can be weapons both for our enemies and ourselves. Channel your anger and emotions in the right direction," he said, holding my shoulders and looking into my eyes. I nodded and took deep breaths.

Finally, there's a lead. I don't want to make any mistakes. Mom, Dad, I promise I will bring justice to those responsible for your deaths.

then Kishore uncle handed me a file containing a dossier on Karan Singh, the businessman I was tasked with targeting. His photograph displayed a handsome man in his early thirties, with a commanding presence. He was the heir to the vast Singhania Group, a business empire known for its traditional values and orthodox practices.

"Your mission is to infiltrate Karan Singh's life," Mehra explained. "He has connections with Vikram Sharma through various business dealings. We believe that gaining access to Karan will provide the information we need to bring Sharma to justice."

I listened intently, absorbing every detail. "But how do I get close to him?"

Mehra leaned back in his chair; his expression thoughtful. "Karan is under immense pressure from his family to marry. His mother, Mrs. Singh, has been consulting with a priest, looking for a suitable bride."

I raised an eyebrow. "You want me to become that bride?"

"Precisely," Mehra confirmed. "You'll need to maneuver your way into their world, using your intelligence and wit. Your uncle, unfortunately, might be your ticket in."

A chill ran down my spine at the mention of my uncle. He was a man who always put his interests first, even at the cost of family ties. Any relationship with the Singhania's would be a jackpot for him.

"But Arohi, you have to be very careful. Vikram is cunning and ruthless. He is unscrupulous and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. If he even gets a hint about you or your mission, he will do anything to protect himself. And your biggest vulnerability right now is Anaya," he warned.

"Don't worry, sir. I've waited seven years for this. I will do everything in my power to uncover the truth. No one can defeat me in this mission. This is about my parents' deaths, and I will bring them justice, no matter what. As for Anaya, I will be sending her back to the hostel with extra security. No one will know she's my sister, I'll make sure of that," I said with determination.

"But how? When this marriage happens, your uncle or anyone else might tell the Singhania family about Anaya," he asked.

"I have a plan for that too, sir. I won't let Anaya get even a scratch. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to prepare for the mission." He nodded, and I took my leave.

_______________________________________________

Please Vote, Share, and Comment