Chapter 48: chapter 48

Neha hurriedly made her way to Colonel Rathore's office, her mind buzzing with anticipation and concern. The messy aftermath of the Crimson Dagger exposure had set a chain of events in motion, and now, it was time to steer the unexpected winds. Entering Colonel Rathore's office, she found him engrossed in the news articles circulating about the government's alleged ties to Crimson Dagger. He looked up, acknowledging her presence. "Neha, sit down. We need to discuss the situation." The room felt charged with tension as Neha took a seat. "Sir, what's the plan? How are we going to handle this?" Colonel Rathore sighed, his expression grave. "First and foremost, we need to assess the legitimacy of these claims. If there's any truth to the allegations, it could have severe consequences. I have got direct orders from the top to appoint my best officer on this, and I am choosing you to investigate these claims, as some of our high-ranking officers have been put on the radar by the media, this cannot become a media trial. We have to take swift action and you have to report to me in the next twenty-four hours about what is the basis of all these allegations." Neha nodded, "But Sir, twenty-four hours is a very short duration!" Neha tried to hide her emotions, knowing that she was behind this lead of information and she only had to investigate the source, what an irony! Col. Rathore continued, "I understand it's a very short notice but my hands are tied, Neha. We need to use the information we got during the insurgency when you and Riya caught those terrorists. Now curiously there is someone in our high ranks who has been sharing classified information for sure because I think Col. Dinesh knew about them and that's why he was killed. What do you think about that?" Neha had a flashback, remembering that unforeseen event when last year Riya was heading the operation and the insurgents had captured Col. Dinesh from the Leh cantonment, but during the covert operation somehow the insurgents knew already about their attack and killed Col. Dinesh. This event raised eyebrows among the whole unit till the high command and Riya was demoted. Though now, Neha knew that Crimson Dagger and Kaushal were behind this fake terrorist situation she couldn't tell Col. Rathore openly and just nodded to say, "Sir, I also think the same, there is someone in our high ranks keep sharing classified information with insurgents." Colonel Rathore leaned forward, "I trust you Neha, but we can't ignore the potential risks associated with your investigation. Crimson Dagger won't take this lying down. They'll be on the defensive, and we need to be prepared for their countermove. So I wouldn't let anyone know that you are working on this, you have to stay low and investigate, do you concur?" Neha agreed with Col. Rathore affirming that she will keep this conversation as top secret. Meanwhile, at Kaushal's place, Karan was pacing. The reality of their involvement in dismantling Crimson Dagger had begun to sink in. Kaushal, observing Karan's restlessness, tried to reassure him. "Karan, we've come this far, and we have Gulmohar on our side. We need to stay focused and see this through. Exposing Crimson Dagger is our priority, and we'll deal with the consequences as they come," Kaushal said, his voice steady. Karan nodded, "I know, Kaushal, but what if this puts everyone we care about at risk? What if we're not prepared for the storm that follows?" Kaushal placed a reassuring hand on Karan's shoulder, "We've taken precautions, and we have Neha coordinating with the media. Trust the process. We can't let fear paralyze us now." Back in Colonel Rathore's office, Neha and the Colonel were discussing damage control. "We need an official statement addressing these allegations. We must assure the public that we're taking this matter seriously and conducting a thorough investigation," Colonel Rathore stated. Neha chimed in, "I can draft the statement and coordinate with the media. We need to control the narrative and not let Crimson Dagger manipulate public opinion." As Neha worked on the statement, Kaushal received a call from an unknown number. Answering cautiously, he heard a distorted voice on the other end. "Kaushal, be extra careful, Azad knows there is a mole in his organization and they may face the wrath of Crimson Dagger." The ominous warning sent a chill down Kaushal's spine. He knew they were playing a dangerous game, and the stakes had just been raised. Disconnecting the call, he messaged Neha, "We're on Crimson Dagger's radar. Be extra cautious in handling the media." Neha, reading the message, felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew the risks involved, but there was no turning back now. The exposure had set irreversible events in motion. As Neha prepared to release the official statement, Kaushal and Karan strategized their next move. Gulmohar, the key informant, was a potential asset, but also a potential liability. Kaushal emphasized the need to keep a close eye on him. "We can't fully trust Gulmohar. He might have his agenda. We need to extract as much information as we can while being vigilant," Kaushal advised. Karan, acknowledging the risk, said, "I'll arrange a safe house for Gulmohar." Neha, coordinating with her media contacts, released the official statement. The news articles circulated, attempting to strike a delicate balance between acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations and reassuring the public that the government was taking action. The next day Neha's twenty-four hours were over, and Colonel Rathore summoned Neha to his office. Neha, determined, replied, " Sir, just give me another six hours, I am very close." Colonel Rathore nodded, "Gather all the information you can. We need a strong case to present to the authorities. If we're going to take down Crimson Dagger, we can't afford any missteps." Meanwhile, Karan met with Gulmohar again. The location was a shady bar, chosen for its discreet ambiance. Gulmohar, visibly tense, began divulging more details about Crimson Dagger's operations within the government. "They have key operatives strategically placed in various departments. Their influence extends beyond what we initially thought. Azad is cunning, and he has high-ranking officials dancing to his tune," Gulmohar revealed. Karan, absorbing the information, asked, "How can we expose them further? We need evidence that will stand up in court." Gulmohar hesitated, "I can provide you with classified documents, but it won't be easy. The risk is immense, and if I get caught, I'm as good as dead, rather let me give you what Azad looks like!" Karan was happy to know that, and said, "Yes that's amazing information, we'll ensure your safety, Gulmohar. But you shouldn't feel nervous or afraid anymore." Back at army headquarters, the news articles continued to stir concern, as the public's curiosity grew. The government was on the brink, staggering between a potential scandal and a courageous takedown of a dangerous organization. Meanwhile, Karan got a description of Azad from Gulmohar and gave it to Kaushal. Kaushal was running in an image scan on a sketch as per the description when the result pushed him out of his seat. Both Kaushal and Karan were surprised to see who was Azad. ~~~~~