The conference room was thick with tension as I stepped inside, the sharp echo of my boots slicing through the murmur of voices. Officials were seated in perfect rows—Army officers, intelligence agents, and a handful of unfamiliar faces. Their expressions were grim, their conversations hushed.

"Ah, Vikrant, you finally made it," Chief said, breaking the uneasy silence.

I gave him a crisp nod. "Apologies for the delay, sir."

I moved to take my place, trying to ignore the attention that my entrance had drawn. These moments, these watchful eyes, were part of the job. People saw me as a weapon, a tool sharpened for the sole purpose of eliminating threats. And most days, I embraced that perception. It was easier than letting them see more.

But today, something felt different.

As I scanned the room, my gaze landed on her.

At first, I wasn’t sure why she stood out. Her posture was calm, her expression focused, yet there was an undeniable pull about her presence—like gravity shifting without permission. And then it hit me.

It was her.

The girl from the club.

The memory came flooding back, vivid and uninvited. The night was dark, the alley dimly lit by flickering streetlights. As she stumbled backward. I hadn’t hesitated. My reflexes kicked in before my mind could process, my hand reaching out to catch her just before she hit the ground.

She hadn’t even looked up, her eyes fixed on something—or someone—behind me. I’d barely managed to ask if she was okay before she muttered a rushed thanks.

And now, she was here.

The realization struck me like a jolt of electricity. She wasn’t just a fleeting face from a random night. She was part of this mission, this operation. The girl I had saved without thinking twice was now seated across the room, her name on the Chief’s list of introductions.

"Araina," Chief said.

She stood, her movements fluid yet purposeful, and my suspicions were confirmed.

Her.

My eyes locked onto her, and for a brief moment, it felt like the room fell away. The noise, the people, the mission—all of it faded into a dull hum. She was real, standing there like some improbable twist of fate.

I studied her carefully, trying to reconcile the composed agent in front of me with the vulnerable girl I had encountered. Her face was calm now, but her eyes—those sharp, brown eyes—carried the same quiet intensity I remembered. They held a story, one I hadn’t had the chance to hear that night.

As if sensing my stare, she glanced my way, her gaze brushing against mine. The brief connection sent an unexpected ripple through me.

Her brows furrowed slightly, and I wondered if she recognized me. But the moment passed, and she quickly looked away, her face resuming its professional mask.

The conference room buzzed with quiet tension as the Chief cleared his throat, commanding attention. All eyes turned to him, a palpable sense of anticipation filling the room.

"There is a file in front of each of you," he began, his tone sharp and authoritative. "It contains all the details related to the mission. I'm giving you a day for planning. Nikhil and his team already have their file, and it would be helpful to have input from each of you. I need thorough planning—we can't afford more delays. We need to be ready to act fast. Is everyone with me?"

"YES, SIR!" we all replied in unison, our voices ringing with determination.

"Good. You're dismissed for now. We reconvene tomorrow. Take care, everyone."

"Thank you, Sir!" we chorused, standing as he exited.

As the room began to disperse, I glanced down at the file, my mind already turning over the potential angles of the mission. But before I could immerse myself in it, Rudra approached, his trademark grin lighting up his face.

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," he said, extending a hand with genuine enthusiasm. "I've heard so much about your operations. Always wanted to meet the legendary team! Looks like my wish just got answered."

"Nice to meet you too," Pawan replied, shaking his hand. The rest of us followed, exchanging polite nods and handshakes.

Just as the greetings wrapped up, a bright, bubbly voice cut through the air.

"It's going to be a BLAST of an operation, I can already feel it!"

I turned, raising a brow at the cheerful interruption.

"Sushma, right?" I asked.

"Sasha," she corrected, grinning wider. "But hey, close enough. And by the way, they're in the middle of a conversation. Don't interrupt them."

A guy beside her stepped forward, wrapping an arm protectively around her shoulder. His presence was bold, but oddly reassuring.

Ahem, someone's getting possessive, I thought, suppressing a smirk.

"Don't you ever laugh or smile?" Sasha asked suddenly, tilting her head and studying me with an arched brow. Her teasing tone was disarming, catching me off guard.

"Maybe I don't have a reason to laugh or smile," I replied evenly. "Is that a problem?"

Her gaze lingered, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Hmm... Let's just say from the moment we met, you've been all business—focused, intense, completely absorbed. Not paying much attention to your surroundings."

"Only if you knew," Manwindar whispered in my ear, smirking. I ignored him, keeping my attention on Sasha, who was still talking.

"Which, by the way, is really impressive," she added, her tone softening to sincerity. "It shows why you're the famous Major of the Special Forces. You don't mess around, do you?"

"Thank you for the kind words," I replied, brushing off the odd flutter in my chest.

Just then, Sasha's expression shifted, her eyes lighting up mischievously. "Have you met my friend Araina yet?"

The question threw me off balance.

Happy? Yes—because it meant I might finally get a chance to talk to her. Curious? Absolutely—because something about Araina intrigued me deeply.

"No, I haven't had the chance yet," I said, my tone carefully neutral.

Sasha's eyes twinkled. "Oh, I can always do the honors!" She called out loudly, "Araina! Come here! I want you to meet someone important... and, well, handsome."

The way she said it made everyone laugh, and I couldn’t help but feel a little self-conscious.

"Ahem, someone's dreams are coming true," Manwindar teased, leaning closer. His voice was playful, but I caught the glint of mischief in his eyes.

I shot him a glare, but he only grinned wider. I debated punching him—not seriously, but the thought was tempting.

Before I could decide, Araina stepped into view.

The world seemed to slow as she walked toward us.

She was... breathtaking.

Her gaze met mine, and for a brief moment, it felt like time itself paused. That pull I’d felt before was stronger now, an undeniable force drawing me in. I was so focused on her, I barely noticed Manwindar’s knowing smirk.

"Araina, meet Vikrant," Sasha said, her voice laced with pride.

I stood a little straighter, almost instinctively. "Nice to meet you," I said, keeping my tone steady despite the quickening of my pulse.

"Likewise," Araina replied, her voice calm and warm. Her eyes, however, held a spark of something I couldn’t quite decipher—curiosity, perhaps, or recognition.

I couldn’t stop myself from wondering if she remembered me.