Chapter 56: chapter 56

The false information planted by Kaushal had cast a web of confusion, diverting the rebels' attention from their original plans. On the other side, Riya and Arjun's investigation was closing in the right direction.Neha, always quick-thinking, outlined a plan. "Kaushal, we need to inform Riya discreetly. We can't risk compromising Major Vayu's position, but we have to get this group exposed."Kaushal nodded in agreement, "Yes, unfortunately, what I have found out is that the group running the rebel movement is none other than Crimson Dagger. The pattern is the same, which is why they can brainwash our soldiers. They have all the intelligence information and are using it to create chaos, as Azad mentioned."Major Vayu, despite the looming danger, remained steadfast. "I've got an idea to get us caught, but it will mean my court martial too!""Yes, that's the only way to stop this movement. Let's go ahead with it, Vayu. I will make sure you come out of the court trial clean.""Fine, then. I am going to activate signals that will trigger Riya's vigilance, and she will be able to act on those. We have a meeting coming up soon, and that is the perfect opportunity to get exposed," Major Vayu shared.~~~The night air was heavy with tension as Vayu ensured the security breaches were caught by Riya and Arjun's vigilance. Major Vayu, still embedded within the Night Owls, played his part in steering their discussions away from the impending assault.Lieutenant Colonel Riya and Major Arjun, now aware of the potential threat, prepared to seize the Night Owls red-handed.As the clock ticked, Kaushal initiated a series of encrypted messages, ensuring that the right military officials received the crucial information. The delicate balance between revealing the conspiracy and protecting Major Vayu's identity required meticulous coordination.In the heart of the cantonment, Lieutenant Colonel Riya and Major Arjun pieced together the puzzle. The encrypted files, the coded messages, and the blueprints of the planned assault formed the backbone of their investigation. The web of deception woven by the Night Owls slowly unravelled under their scrutiny.One fateful night, as the moon cast its silvery glow over Jaisalmer, Major Vayu's voice conveyed a mix of relief and urgency. "Riya has gathered enough evidence. They are ready to expose the Night Owls."~~~Riya monitored the surveillance feeds night after night, wondering whether "The Night Owls" were merely mischievous individuals or if something more sinister was afoot.One night, as Riya watched the live feed, she noticed movement near the perimeter fence. Shadows flitted through the darkness, and hushed whispers filled the audio recordings. It was the first sign of possible activity from "The Night Owls."She immediately alerted Major Arjun, who rushed to her office. They watched the surveillance footage closely, attempting to identify recognizable faces or actions."It's them, Madam Riya," Arjun whispered. "We finally have them on camera."Continuing to observe, it became evident that "The Night Owls" were engaging in some sort of clandestine activity. They congregated near the fence, their faces concealed by masks and hoods.Riya issued immediate orders for Major Arjun and her covertly trained officers to catch the Night Owls, which resulted in arrests and disclosure of Major Priya, Agni, Vayu and several junior officers.That night, Col. Sharma was presented with the details of the case against the Night Owls by Riya and Arjun, talking about their stupid plans to go dark for petty reasons like salary hikes, promotions, etc. The room echoed with disbelief as the scope of the conspiracy became apparent. Major Agni, Priya, and Vayu agreed they were trying to get their issues sorted. But the real motive to dismantle the mastermind's attempt to create an uproar was not shared by Vayu, as per Kaushal's plan.The Night Owls, once shrouded in anonymity, now stood exposed.The higher authorities wasted no time in taking decisive action. Arrest warrants were issued, and military personnel involved in the rebellion were apprehended. The Night Owls' network, carefully cultivated in the shadows, crumbled under the weight of truth.~~~In the aftermath of the exposé, Lieutenant Colonel Riya and Major Arjun's efforts were applauded, and the military's trust in its ranks was gradually restored.When Vayu was called in for a Court-martial, he started the reason for joining the group, widening the eyeballs of everyone on the Jury bench."What do you mean, Major Vayu? Can you explain better?" one of the Jury members questioned.Major Vayu shared all the details starting from when he heard the voices to how he helped in leaving clues for the investigating team, except about his support from Kaushal and Neha.The Jury was shocked to get the details Vayu shared, and his questioning was put on hold to investigate further on the matter further because this was the second time they were hearing about Crimson Dagger. Crimson Dagger was still very much alive, who was running it, was a question everyone had, even after Azad was captured.Major Vayu was released without any charges of breach when his information was corroborated with Riya and Arjun's findings.~~~As the dust settled, Kaushal, Neha, and Major Vayu found themselves in a bookstore once again. The atmosphere, however, was markedly different from their previous visit. The air was infused with a sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that, together, they had thwarted a grave threat to the nation's security.Our secure lines, once abuzz with urgency, now carried conversations of relief and gratitude. The cantonment, though scarred by the revelations, stood resilient in the face of adversity. The Crimson Dagger's plan had been shattered, though the mastermind behind it was still out there.In the bookstore, as they looked at each other with a shared sense of accomplishment, Kaushal spoke, breaking the silence that hung in the air. "We did it. The Night Owls are no more, and the military stands stronger."Neha nodded, "It was a team effort. We each played our part, and justice prevailed."Major Vayu, a smile playing on his lips, added, "Trust and teamwork have a power that can overcome even the darkest conspiracies."~~~~~