chapter 10

Bound by Fate

Chapter 10: A Dangerous Invitation

The letter sat between Veer and Kavi like a silent challenge, daring them to take the risk. Its cryptic message claimed to offer critical information about Jagdish’s remaining allies but didn’t specify who the sender was or why they wanted to help.

“We need to be careful,” Kavi said, breaking the silence. “This could easily be a setup.”

Veer nodded. “That’s why we’re going to control the environment. We’ll choose the time and place.”

“And how do we ensure it’s not a trap?” Kavi asked.

Veer gave her a small, confident smile. “We don’t. We just make sure we’re ready for one.”

The Setup

After consulting with their most trusted allies, Veer and Kavi arranged to meet the informant in an abandoned factory on the outskirts of Mumbai. The location was isolated enough to control but close enough to call for reinforcements if needed.

On the night of the meeting, Kavi insisted on accompanying Veer, much to his initial protest.

“I’m not staying behind while you walk into danger,” she said firmly, crossing her arms.

Veer sighed. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“And you love it,” Kavi shot back with a smirk.

He couldn’t argue with that.

The Meeting

The factory was dimly lit, with only a few flickering bulbs casting eerie shadows. Veer’s men positioned themselves strategically, ready to intervene at the first sign of trouble.

Kavi and Veer stood side by side, their gazes sharp as the informant stepped out of the shadows. It was an older man with a weathered face and nervous eyes.

“My name is Prakash,” he said, his voice shaky. “I was one of Jagdish’s men. But I didn’t agree with his methods.”

“Why help us now?” Veer asked, his tone cold and measured.

Prakash hesitated. “Because there’s a larger threat. Jagdish was only a pawn. The real mastermind is someone far more dangerous—someone who wants to take over everything.”

Kavi’s stomach tightened. “Who?”

Prakash opened his mouth to answer, but before he could speak, a shot rang out. He crumpled to the ground, lifeless.

“Sniper!” Veer shouted, pulling Kavi behind a stack of crates as chaos erupted.

Veer’s men returned fire, but the attacker was already gone. In the aftermath, all they were left with was Prakash’s lifeless body and a lingering sense of unease.

A Moment of Vulnerability

Back at the estate, the tension was palpable. Kavi paced the study, her mind racing with unanswered questions.

“This isn’t over,” she said, her voice tight. “Whoever’s behind this won’t stop until they get what they want.”

Veer watched her silently, his expression unreadable. Finally, he stepped forward and took her hands in his.

“We’ll figure this out,” he said softly.

Kavi looked up at him, her resolve wavering. “What if we can’t? What if we’re not enough?”

“You’re more than enough,” Veer said, his voice steady. “And as long as we’re together, we can handle anything.”

Kavi felt tears prick her eyes but quickly blinked them away. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

Veer nodded, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Every word.”

For the first time since the chaos began, Kavi allowed herself to lean on him, resting her head against his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat was oddly comforting, grounding her in the midst of uncertainty.

“I’m scared,” she admitted quietly.

“So am I,” Veer replied, his arms tightening around her. “But I’ve got you, and that’s enough.”

A Quiet Morning

The next day, the couple decided to take a rare morning off. Rani, ever the motherly figure, insisted they have breakfast in the garden, away from the business of rebuilding.

The sun cast a golden glow over the table set with steaming parathas, fresh fruit, and hot chai.

“You know,” Kavi said, taking a sip of her tea, “it’s moments like this that make all the madness worth it.”

Veer smiled, his usual stern demeanor softening. “Moments like this wouldn’t mean anything without you.”

Kavi raised an eyebrow. “You’re really laying it on thick, aren’t you?”

“Can you blame me?” Veer replied, leaning back in his chair.

Kavi chuckled, but her laughter faded as her eyes met his. There was something different in his gaze—something vulnerable and real.

“Veer,” she began, her voice hesitant, “do you ever think about what it would be like to just... leave all of this behind?”

He considered her words for a moment. “Sometimes. But then I think about how much we’ve built, how much we’ve fought for. And I realize I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Especially not if it means losing you.”

Kavi felt her cheeks warm but didn’t look away. “You’re lucky I’m starting to like you, Rathore.”

Veer grinned. “Starting? I’d say you’re smitten.”

Kavi rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her smile.

A Call to Action

Their peaceful morning was interrupted by a phone call. Veer answered, his expression darkening as he listened.

“What is it?” Kavi asked when he hung up.

Veer’s jaw tightened. “There’s been another lead. And this time, we’re not waiting for them to come to us.”

Kavi stood, her resolve firm. “Let’s finish this.”

Veer nodded, a spark of determination in his eyes. “Together.”

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