FORBIDDEN FLAMES ✅

Call to Duty

AUTHORS'S POV

At Delhi Morning 8:00 AM

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Vihaan's lavish 3BHK apartment in Delhi as he got ready for the day. The news played on the TV in the living room, casting a familiar background noise. Just as Vihaan was about to head out, his mother Anita emerged from the kitchen and said "Vihaan, sit down, I'm bringing your favorite parathas." 
"Ma, there's a cook and the servant to take care of house hold things. You should relax," Vihaan replied with a chuckle.

"We have a kitty party today, Vihaan and I'm taking these parathas there. I thought I'd feed you the same," Anita explained.

Vihaan couldn't help but smile at his mother, Kitty parties seemed to be a regular occurrence, happening almost every alternate day. Since moving into this new apartment a year ago, they had settled into a routine. Leaving behind their old Villa which were filled with memories, both sweet and bitter was a significant change. Vihaan's heart still held onto the echoes of childhood laughter and the sting of past heartbreaks, he still goes to that house to find solace that's why he couldn't sell that villa of theirs even though his mother pressured him to sell thier old house.

 His mother Anita had always insisted on living in a gated community apartment. So Vihaan had chosen this lavish 3BHK apartment, ensuring his mother's likes. Even he felt at peace as his mother has safety and companionship whenever he had to go out of the city. The community buzzed with activity and there were plenty of people around mother's age, providing her with enough leisure

As Vihaan glanced around his apartment, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. His mother's happiness was everything to him, and seeing her enjoy her life in their new home brought him immense joy. Vihaan cherished the simple moments spent with his mother, being single parent to him she used to work a lot to give him good comfort in life, so now its his duty to make sure she lives comfortably. 

As Vihaan was about to start his breakfast, his phone rang, displaying the caller ID of the Director General of Police (DGP). "Good morning, sir," Vihaan greeted as he answered the call. 

"Good morning, Vihaan," came the voice of the DGP. "I need you and Neil at my office ASAP."

"Yes, sir," Vihaan responded promptly before the call ended. He wasted no time in dialing Neil's number, his childhood best friend and trusted companion in the department.

"Hey, Neil" Vihaan said once Neil answered. "The DGP called. He wants both of us at his office today ASAP."

"Hmm, another mission, you think?" Neil pondered.

"I'm not sure," Vihaan admitted. "We'll find out soon enough."

Neil lived just three floors below Vihaan's apartment. Their mothers had been best friends, but tragically, Neil's mother had passed away four years ago due to a heart attack. Despite the loss, their bond remained strong. Vihaan and Neil moved into this apartment at the same time. 

Vihaan and Neil met in the parking lot, with Vihaan behind the wheel and Neil in the passenger seat.  As they buckled up, Vihaan inquired about Neil's family.

So, when will Nidhi and Nisha be back in Delhi?" Vihaan asked, Nidhi (Neil's wife) and Nisha, their adorable three-year-old daughter, who held a special place in Vihaan's heart. He cherished the bond he shared with Nisha, often feeling like a godfather figure to the little girl.

Neil said "They'll be back today evening from Meerut where Nidhi parents stay.

Vihaan nodded, He missed the lively presence of the little girl, her infectious laughter, and her boundless energy. Despite the challenges of their profession, moments like these, reuniting with loved ones, served as a source of comfort and motivation.

However, their conversation was cut short as they approached the DIG's office. With a shared glance, Vihaan and Neil prepared themselves mentally for the task ahead, ready to face whatever challenges lay in store.


AT Mumbai Morning 7:00 Am