𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓑𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓼 [*Complete*]

Ch. 19 ⭐

One week later.

As the fusion concert day approached, a problem arose when Dhruv fell ill with a bad cold and fever, losing his voice. With Dhruv unable to perform, Manik stepped in to take his place just two days before the concert. This put him in close proximity to Pandit Trilok, allowing him to observe the pandit's behavior firsthand.

Manik soon noticed troubling patterns in Pandit Trilok's actions. That man seemed determined to keep Nandini away from others, trying to cause tension between Manik and Nandini, and orchestrating situations where Nandini would be alone with him. Manik did his best to intervene whenever he could, but the pandit's behavior only grew more suspicious.

Feeling uneasy about the situation, Manik reached out to Rajveer once again, informing him of Pandit Trilok's troubling conduct. He also encouraged Nandini to speak directly to Rajveer about the classes the pandit insisted she attend alone with him, hoping to shed light on the situation.

Rajveer felt a pang of concern as he learned about the situation. He wished he could be closer to his sister during this troubling time, but with the second-year cadets nearing graduation and only three months left, securing a vacation seemed unlikely. Lost in thought, he was interrupted by an orderly informing him of BC's summons to his office.

Nodding in acknowledgment, Rajveer made his way to the senior's cabin. After knocking and receiving permission to enter, he saluted Brigadier Chandok respectfully before asking, "Sir, you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, Captain Rajveer. Captain Abhimanyu approached me with a request," BC began, motioning towards Abhimanyu, who was also present in the office.

"And what request would that be?" Rajveer inquired.

"Captain Abhimanyu proposed taking the second-year cadets on a field trip to his hometown, Barmer. Since the mission he was slated to lead with these cadets was cancelled, he believes this excursion would offer them outdoor experience and serve as a refresher before their final exams. What are your thoughts on this?"

Rajveer's smile widened. "That sounds like an excellent idea!" he responded, offering Abhimanyu an encouraging grin. However, he couldn't help but notice a glint of arrogance in Abhimanyu's eyes, which left him feeling slightly perplexed. Rajveer could only inwardly sigh, understanding his friend's motivations. Abhimanyu's sudden eagerness to showcase his wealth and status hinted at wounded pride, likely stemming from the adoration the cadets had shown Rajveer on Teacher's Day. Rajveer hoped Abhimanyu would realize that life wasn't always about competition.

"I also believe it's a good idea... but I'm concerned about Captain Abhimanyu handling all those cadets alone. That's why I'd like you to accompany them as well," BC informed Rajveer.

Instantly, Abhimanyu's expression darkened. All his plans would be jeopardized if Rajveer joined them on the trip to Barmer. With Rajveer around, the cadets would likely be too preoccupied with him to pay attention to Abhimanyu.

Observing Abhimanyu's reaction to BC's proposal, Rajveer couldn't help but inwardly sigh. "Sir, actually... may I have some time to consider? I might need to return home for a few days," he explained apologetically to BC.

"Oh? Of course, Rajveer. Take the time you need," BC nodded understandingly.

Later that afternoon.

Naina entered Rajveer's room with an expectant expression, her mind buzzing with the recent news. BC had just informed them that all the second-year cadets would embark on a field trip to Barmer. The prospect of Captain Rajveer joining them left Naina and her friends unsettled. Ever since they learned that the King of Barmer himself had sent assassins after Rajveer, Super Six was adamant about keeping him far from that kingdom. However, they were at a loss on how to convince Rajveer to stay behind.