Tujhpe Dil Qurbaan

|| Chapter 6: Shadows of Betrayal ||

The rhythmic cadence of boots thudding against the hard-packed earth echoed through the Kanchanjunga Military Academy's training grounds. Major Rajveer Singh Shekhawat stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes scanning the lines of cadets moving in perfect synchronization. The early morning sun bathed the scene in a warm, golden hue, casting long shadows across the field.

Shouts of "Left! Right! Left!" rang out in sharp, precise tones from drill instructors. The clanging of rifles as cadets practiced their arms drill filled the air, a comforting sound that Rajveer had grown accustomed to over the years. Yet today, the pride he usually felt when watching the new recruits in action was absent. His thoughts were far from the academy, caught in a web of doubt and confusion.

His attention faltered as his mind replayed the cryptic conversation he had with Major Soham Agnihotri days earlier. Rajveer's usual steady composure wavered. Naveen Ahluwalia-his best friend, his brother in arms-had been branded a traitor to the nation. The stain on Naveen's name had haunted Rajveer ever since. But Soham had hinted otherwise. Could the higher ups there have realized that there was more to the story? Rajveer couldn't shake the unease gnawing at him, a constant whisper that perhaps he hadn't been told the entire truth.

A loud bark from a nearby sergeant snapped Rajveer back to the present. The cadets were being drilled to perfection, their movements sharp, their discipline unwavering. He felt a brief surge of pride. These young men and women represented the future of the armed forces, the protectors of the nation's honor. And yet, even here, in the sacred grounds of the academy, Rajveer couldn't escape the shadows of the past.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Rajveer turned, his sharp gaze landing on Major Soham Agnihotri. The man moved with a deliberate calm, his lean figure casting a long shadow across the grounds. His uniform was immaculate, the insignia of his rank gleaming in the sunlight. There was a gravity about him today that Rajveer couldn't ignore.

"Major Shekhawat," Soham called out, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of something deeper.

Rajveer nodded in acknowledgment but didn't speak. He sensed that whatever Soham had to say, it wasn't meant for public ears.

"We need to talk," Soham said quietly as he neared, his tone low enough to be drowned out by the constant drills.

Rajveer studied Soham's face, searching for clues, but the man's expression remained unreadable. There was a tension in the air, the kind that made Rajveer's instincts prickle with caution. Without another word, he followed Soham away from the training grounds, the distant sounds of cadets fading behind them as they moved towards a more secluded area near the officer's quarters.

The two men walked in silence until they reached the shadow of a large tree. Rajveer leaned against its trunk, arms crossed over his chest, his eyes narrowing slightly as he regarded Soham. They had known each other for years, but today there was a shift in the dynamic between them. It felt as if Soham was about to reveal something that would change everything.

"I'm not here by accident, Rajveer," Soham began, his voice low and controlled. "My assignment at KMA wasn't random."

Rajveer frowned, the words stirring something deep within him. "What are you saying, Soham?" His voice was cautious, as if testing the waters of a dangerous conversation.

Soham met Rajveer's gaze, his expression grave. "I'm part of Defense Intelligence. My real mission here has been to monitor certain individuals-high-profile targets. One of those individuals is Lala Gehlot."

Rajveer felt a jolt of shock ripple through him. His foster father? The man who had taken him in, mentored him, and helped him rise through the ranks of the army? The Defense Minister? "What are you talking about?" Rajveer demanded, his voice tight with disbelief. "Lala Gehlot is my father, Soham. He's dedicated his life to serving this country."