The Enchanted Love✨ [Barsatein]

Chapter 54

Reyansh drives his black SUV through the dimly lit streets, his jaw tight with focus. Aradhana sits beside him, her eyes scanning the notes on her tablet. A palpable tension fills the air.
Aradhana: (breaking the silence) "What exactly are we walking into?"
Reyansh: (keeping his eyes on the road) "A smuggling operation. Weapons, most likely. The intel suggests a handoff is happening tonight, and it's connected to the names on that drive of yours."
Aradhana: (frowning) "And you didn't think to mention this sooner?"
Reyansh: "I didn't want to involve you until I was sure. But now..." (glancing at her) "Now, you're part of this, and I'm not thrilled about it."
Aradhana: (smirking) "Relax, Mr. Lamba. I'm tougher than I look."
Reyansh shakes his head, a ghost of a smile on his lips, before his expression turns serious again.
Reyansh: "Just promise me you'll stay close. If things get messy, you're my priority."
Aradhana: (softly) "I promise. But don't underestimate me, Rey. We're in this together."

The SUV comes to a stop a few blocks away from the warehouse. Reyansh and Aradhana step out, dressed in black. Reyansh hands her a small earpiece.
Reyansh: (instructing) "This keeps us connected. If anything feels off, you tell me immediately."
Aradhana: (nodding, sliding it into her ear) "Got it."
They approach the warehouse stealthily, using the shadows for cover. Reyansh's hand instinctively hovers near the gun strapped to his side. Aradhana clutches her small recorder, her journalist instincts kicking in.
Reyansh: (whispering) "Stay behind me."
Inside, faint voices and the sound of heavy crates being moved echo through the air. Reyansh signals for Aradhana to stay put as he edges closer to the door, peering through a crack. He spots a group of men unloading weapons from a truck.
Aradhana: (whispering, from behind him) "How many?"
Reyansh: (counting) "Six. Maybe more inside."
Aradhana: (determined) "We need evidence. Let me get closer with the recorder."
Reyansh: (gritting his teeth) "Absolutely not. It's too dangerous."
Aradhana: (glaring) "Rey, without proof, this story doesn't go anywhere. Trust me."
Reluctantly, Reyansh nods, his jaw tightening. He watches as Aradhana creeps toward a stack of crates, positioning herself within earshot of the men. She presses record on her device, her heart pounding in her chest.

One of the men, a burly figure with a scar across his cheek, barks orders to the others.
Scarred Man: "Move faster! We've got ten minutes before the buyer shows up. No mistakes."
Worker: "Boss, what about the cops? Word is they've been sniffing around."
Scarred Man: (growling) "Let me worry about that. Just get the crates loaded."
Aradhana adjusts her position, her recorder picking up every word. Suddenly, her hand brushes against a loose piece of metal, causing a faint clatter.
Worker: (snapping his head up) "Did you hear that?"
Scarred Man: "Check it out. Now."
Reyansh, watching from his hiding spot, curses under his breath. He moves swiftly, intercepting the worker before he can reach Aradhana. With a swift, silent takedown, the man crumples to the ground.
Reyansh: (whispering to Aradhana) "Time to go. Now."
Aradhana: (whispering back) "Not yet. I need more."
Before Reyansh can argue, the sound of approaching footsteps forces them both to retreat further into the shadows. The scarred man steps into view, his sharp eyes scanning the area.
Scarred Man: (calling out) "Who's there? Show yourself!"
Reyansh's hand tightens around his gun, ready to act. But Aradhana surprises him by stepping out of the shadows, holding her recorder like a weapon.
Aradhana: (confidently) "Just me. Lost my way. Care to help?"
Scarred Man: (narrowing his eyes) "Who are you?"
Aradhana: (smiling) "A journalist. And you're making a great story right now."
The man's face darkens as he lunges toward her, but Reyansh steps in, landing a punch that sends the man sprawling. Chaos erupts as the other workers rush toward them.

Reyansh moves with precision, taking down the men one by one while shielding Aradhana. She ducks behind a crate, capturing as much footage as she can without getting caught in the crossfire.
Aradhana: (calling out) "Rey! Behind you!"
Reyansh spins just in time to block an attack, his movements fluid and calculated. Aradhana can't help but admire his skill, even as her heart races with fear.
Reyansh: (gritting his teeth) "Aru, stay down!"
One of the workers grabs her arm, but she reacts instinctively, slamming her recorder into his face. He stumbles back, stunned.
Aradhana: (smirking) "Told you I'm tougher than I look."
Reyansh, seeing her handle herself, allows himself a brief smile before refocusing on the fight.