Operation Love (Rishbala Fanfiction)

Chapter 4

(RK's POV)

I gathered my eqiupment. One loaded gun, a few rounds of ammunition, and a bulletproof vest. Madhu stepped out, as ready as I was. Champ and Princess were eager to tag along.

"Ready?" I said.

"Ready." She answered.

"Let's go. The van is here."

"Van?" She asked, perplexed.

"We're going with the rest of the team. Hope you don't have a problem."

"Oh...no I don't."

"Let's roll." I took her soft hand and pulled her out with me.

The rest of the team was waiting outside in the van. Mukund held the door open for us.

"Did you send the bomb squad over?" I asked.

"Yes I did. There are on their way to the hotel."

Something was fishy about that note though. I thought of a plan.

"Mukund, call them and have half of the squad be sent to us. I feel like he is planning something else."

"A diversion?" Madhu said out of nowhere.

"Possibly. We have to stay alert."

We boarded the van and pulled Champ and Princess inside. Mukund informed the bomb squad of the change in plans. Madhu sat quietly to herself. She was shaking a little. I put my hand on her and held it tightly. She looked at me and smiled a bit.

"Sorry Madhu. I dragged you into this almost forcibly."

"It's okay. He shouldn't hurt those people though. At any cost."

"He won't." I assured her. She snaked her hands around my arm and laid her head on it. Mukund looked at us funny.

"So what's cooking between you two?"

"Nothing....nothing at all." I said. Mukund laughed.

"Ok RK don't tell me. But I see everything."

I couldn't help but laugh too. The van stopped to a halt. The bomb squad van was parked outside. The other was following us. I looked at my watch. It was 11. An hour left to go. We all stepped outside. Madhu had Champ and Princess on leashes.

"Mukund you go inside the hotel. Everyone else split up. We have to find that bomb."

"Where are you going RK?"

"I'm going to check the surroundings. They could be tricking us. You never know."

"I'm coming with you." Mukund interjected.

"No Mukund you stay here. Don't worry about me."

"RK what should I do?"

"I want you to stay here. I can't put your life in danger. Viren will stay here with you."

"But....I."

"Shhh.....it's final. Champ will stay here as well. I'll take Princess."

(Madhu's POV)

RK took Princess by her leash and left with the rest of the bomb squad. I stood there helpless. Why did he change his mind? Viren stood in front of me and told me to get inside the van again. I refused.

"Miss Madhubala I can't put your life in danger. Please get inside."

"No....I can protect myself."

Champ began barking loudly towards the opposite position. Viren and I looked towards that direction in confusion. Champ pulled on the leash and barked louder.

"I think he wants to tell us something." Viren said.

"Champ, what happened?" I said.

He kept barking. I couldn't hold onto the leash much longer. I let it go loose, and Champ bolted into the street. He had been barking at a stranger looking man, who was freaking put as if he had stolen something.

"Champ! Wait!" I yelled.

He kept running like the wind. Viren and I followed him into the bustling marketplace. Champ was chasing someone. A plump man carrying a duffel bag. He was running as well, sweat dripping from his forehead. The goose chase ended soon. We soon reached a building, what seemed to be a popular mall, filled with thousands of people. We lost track of the man, and I finally got a hold on Champ's leash. I sensed something wrong.

"Viren, I feel something is not right here."

"We need to follow that man. He looked suspicious."

"Call RK. We need him and the bomb squad here as well."

"Got it." He pulled out his phone and dialed the number.

I kneeled down to Champ and held up the scarf of the man to his nose. I had caught it during the chase, when it flew off with the wind. Champ barked and dragged me inside the mall. Viren followed.

"Madhu, you take Champ. I'll go the other way."

"Do you remember what he looks like?"

"Clearly." He said.

Champ led me throughout the mall, following the scent of the man. Everyone turned to look at us. I didn't pay heed to them.

We were soon in the bathrooms. Champ sniffed around and I took small baby steps. It was a large bathroom. Anyone could hide there. I searched around, my hand placed carefully on the gun at my waist. No one was there. Champ pulled at the leash. I let him go. He sniffed around the sink area, finally touching his nose on a large object covered in a white cloth. It was almost blending in with the wall. I lifted it carefully. It was the same duffel bag I saw with the man. He left it behind and escaped. I unzipped it cautiously, not expecting to see what I did. A timed bomb was set to explode in 30 minutes. I staggered back, unable to process what to do next. I heard footsteps behind me.

"I guess you found it. I'll have to take you prisoner now." He said.

I turned around, seeing the man we were chasing before. He was a terrorist. He shot Champ with a tranquilizer and gagged me, then tied my hands and legs. I kicked and fought, but couldn't break my restraints. RK.....I need you.