MISSION PINK ROSE

Untitled Part 3 STRUGGLE

The next morning, Janvi goes to the office as usual, but she is still consumed by fear. Meanwhile, Vikram notices that the kids have missed their school bus, and Janvi's parents are worried about how to drop them off. Sensing an opportunity to get closer to the family, Vikram offers to take the kids to school, and Janvi's parents agree. After dropping the kids off, they ask Vikram if he can drop them daily since they have to wake up early to catch the bus. "Our father used to do that, but now he's with God helping him, so our grandparents came to live with us," says Yug. Anvi starts crying, and Vikram comforts her. Anvi tells him that she misses her father every day because she was very close to him. Vikram responds gently, "I can't bring your father back, but I'll always be here to help you when you need it." He promises to drop and pick them up from school every day, just like their father used to.

At the office, Janvi is called into Pravin's cabin so he can check on her work. "May I come in, sir?" she asks. "Yes, come in," Pravin replies. As Janvi enters, Pravin closes the blinds on the glass partition, which makes her uncomfortable. "Sir, I brought the file you asked for," says Janvi. "Yes, just put it on the table," Pravin says, walking towards her. "Please, take a seat," he adds. When Janvi sits down, Pravin stands behind her, leaning over to touch her hand. Startled, Janvi immediately gets up and steps away from him. "Oh, why are you standing away from me? Come closer," says Pravin. "No, sir, I'm fine here," Janvi replies firmly. Pravin continues, "I know you lost your husband, but don't feel alone. I'm here to help you," and moves towards her. Feeling trapped, knowing she can't quit her job because she has to support her children, Janvi tries to excuse herself. "Sir, may I take leave? I have a lot of work to do." She quickly leaves the cabin and heads to the restroom, where she bursts into tears. After calming herself, she returns to her desk and resumes her work.

That evening, as Janvi returns home, it's Friday night. The kids, excited about the weekend, ask if they can go out for ice cream. "Please, Mama, please!" Yug begs. "Okay, fine," Janvi agrees. Her parents decide to stay home to rest, so Janvi takes the kids to a nearby store for ice cream since it's too late to go to a proper ice cream parlor. While they're at the store, the kids spot Vikram, and they run towards him, calling, "Uncle!" Janvi is surprised by how friendly the kids have become with Vikram, who she remembers as being quite reserved. "Hi, Vikram," Janvi greets him. "Hey, Janvi," Vikram responds. "The kids seem really fond of you, which surprises me," she says. "Yeah, they're adorable," Vikram replies. "Mama, Vikram Uncle drops us and picks us up from school every day!" Yug says excitedly. "What? You don't take the bus?" Janvi asks. "No, Mama, we don't want to wake up early to catch the bus. Vikram Uncle drops us, just like Papa used to," Yug explains. Concerned, Janvi insists, "But you shouldn't trouble him like that." Anvi adds, "Mama, Yug always misses the bus, so Vikram Uncle promised to drop us, just like Papa used to."

Feeling conflicted, Janvi is unsure what to say, but Vikram steps in. "It's no trouble, really. I enjoy spending time with the kids," he says. Reluctantly, Janvi agrees, "Alright then." The kids cheer in excitement. "Come on, kids, let's go home," Janvi says. Vikram offers to drive them home since it's late, and Janvi, feeling safe with him, agrees. As they arrive at their apartment building, the kids have fallen asleep in the car. Vikram helps Janvi carry them inside. In the elevator, Janvi apologizes, "Sorry for troubling you." "It's no trouble at all," Vikram reassures her. "Thank you for taking care of them and for dropping them off at school," she says gratefully. "I really enjoy their company, so please don't mention it," Vikram replies. Once they reach her apartment, Janvi opens the door quietly, careful not to wake her parents. Vikram helps lay the kids in their beds, and Janvi thanks him again. "You're always welcome," Vikram says. Janvi invites him to stay for coffee, but Vikram declines politely, saying it's late and that they can have coffee another time.

The next morning, Vikram hears shocking news: Indian Army General M.S. Thapa has died suddenly from a cardiac arrest. Vikram is stunned and suspects there's more to the story. He decides to investigate and attend the funeral, disguising himself as a florist decorating the hearse and coffin. Once inside General Thapa's office at his home, Vikram discreetly plants hidden cameras and listening devices to gather evidence. He believes the general's death is linked to a conspiracy related to the "Red Rose" mission. Just as he's about to leave, someone pulls him into a corner to hide as soldiers pass by. To his surprise, it's a beautiful woman—Flight Lieutenant Rimi Thapa, the general's daughter and his childhood friend.

They share a brief, tense moment, their eyes locked until the soldiers leave. "I knew you were still alive," Rimi says softly. "How are you, Vikram?" "How could I forget my childhood friend and the daughter of the great General M.S. Thapa?" Vikram responds. "But why didn't you ever contact me?" she asks. "You know what happened. I was trapped and had no choice but to fake my death," Vikram explains. "I understand, but we were your family. Dad treated you like a son, and after your parents were assassinated, he brought you into our home. He promised your father he'd protect you and make sure you became an army officer, just like him. After your supposed death, Dad was devastated," Rimi says, her voice heavy with emotion. "I know how much he loved me," Vikram says, guilt in his voice. "But you still stayed hidden from us," Rimi accuses. "I'm really sorry. I wasn't in control of things. Please forgive me," Vikram pleads. "As always, I forgive you," Rimi says softly.

Vikram changes the subject. "Did your father have any health issues or signs of stress recently?" he asks. "Mom said he seemed stressed for the past few days, but whenever she asked, he'd brush it off with excuses. One day she even called me, but I was too busy to talk. I thought I'd call him later, but then we got the news of his death," Rimi explains, her voice trembling. "When I looked into it, I learned from his assistant that he was in the middle of a major arms deal with Russia, but some people wanted him to make the deal according to their terms. Dad wasn't happy about it. That's all I know," Rimi adds.

"I have to leave now," Vikram says, turning to go. "Aren't you coming to Dad's last rites?" Rimi asks. "No, I can't. It's too risky. There are things I need to take care of," Vikram replies. As he walks away, Rimi calls after him, "Remember, I'm always here for you." Vikram nods and disappears into the night.

Later, Vikram contacts one of his informants, Jack, a bartender who often gives him tips. It's 3 a.m. when Jack finishes his shift and receives a call from an unknown number. Surprised, he answers, "Hello, who's this?" "Recognize me, bar ka badshah?" Vikram's voice comes through the phone. Jack, stunned, replies, "Only one person ever called me that... Is that you, Tiger? I thought you were dead!"

To be continue......