Author’s POV:

The dust rose in the late afternoon air as Arjun's boots hit the uneven village road. The hum of the helicopters was a distant memory now, replaced by the almost deafening silence of the rural landscape. The village—quiet, unassuming—hid its secrets beneath the calm surface. And Arjun, the most dangerous of all commandos, was here to uncover them.

He walked with a calm, calculating presence, every step purposeful. His team had already dispersed, setting up camp in the dense forest surrounding the village. But Arjun needed to meet the man who held the unofficial power here—the Sarpanch, the village head.

As he approached the Sarpanch's modest home, the few villagers who were milling about watched him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. They had seen soldiers before, perhaps even government officials, but none like Arjun. His demeanor alone commanded respect, and a sense of fear settled over the village, as though they knew a storm was coming.

The Sarpanch—a weathered man with a thick beard and sun-dappled skin—was waiting outside his house. He greeted Arjun with a respectful bow, but there was a wariness in his eyes.

"Commander Arjun," the Sarpanch said, his voice low but steady. "I was expecting you. We know why you are here."

Arjun nodded, his expression unreadable. "I trust the village is prepared for what’s coming. I’m here to make sure there are no surprises."

The Sarpanch gestured for him to follow, leading him into his home. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with a mixture of dust and incense, the smell of something earthy, grounded. The village was far removed from the violence Arjun had left behind. This was a place where life was simple, quiet, yet the dark undercurrents of the mafia's dealings had reached even here.

"The villagers are worried," the Sarpanch spoke softly as he poured tea. "They know of your task. But they fear what will come next. The mafia’s reach is long, and its retribution is swift."

Arjun took the cup but didn’t drink. His gaze was sharp, as though scanning for any sign of deception. “I’m not here for them. I’m here for the ones hiding in the shadows. The ones who’ve been pulling the strings.”

The Sarpanch shifted uneasily. “I understand. But... there are things you must know. The mafia’s influence here runs deep. It’s not just the businesses. It’s the people, their lives. If you go after them, you risk bringing ruin to the entire village.”

Arjun didn’t flinch. “That’s the price of freedom. If you can’t handle that, you’ll fall right back into their hands. It’s time to make a choice.”

On the other side of the village, Amrita stood with a forced smile on her face. Today was the day her engagement with Rohan would be sealed, the day her life would be tied to him, whether she liked it or not. Her parents had insisted, and Amrita, as much as she hated it, couldn’t find a way out.

Rohan stood beside her, his arm around her waist, his smirk arrogant and self-assured. He was the last person she would choose, but in her heart, she knew there was no escape from this arrangement. Her future was already mapped out, and her parents' approval was the only thing that mattered now.

The exchange of rings was simple, the promises hollow. Rohan slid the ring onto her finger, and Amrita mechanically did the same, her heart sinking in her chest as she realized how little she felt for the man standing beside her.

Amrita found herself walking away from the engagement ceremony, her heart heavy with thoughts she couldn’t escape. She had just become bound to someone she didn’t love, all for the sake of duty. The weight of the ring on her finger seemed to grow heavier with every step.