Location: Military Transport, En Route to Home Base

The helicopter hummed steadily as it cut through the crisp air, carrying the soldiers away from the battlefield. Relief mixed with exhaustion, but that didn’t stop the team from talking.

Sitting in the corner, Corporal Aditya leaned forward, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Alright, gentlemen, let’s address the elephant in the room—who the hell is our new captain?"

A few of the soldiers exchanged glances.

Lieutenant Veer smirked, shaking his head. "You think we’d get details that easily? It’s all classified."

Aditya groaned dramatically. "Come on! We always hear things before they’re officially announced. Someone must know something."

Aryan tapped his fingers on his rifle, his tone thoughtful. "I heard it’s someone from a special task force. Very tactical, very calculated."

Karan raised an eyebrow. "Tactical? That means strict. I bet this new captain is all about discipline and rules."

Aditya snorted. "Great. Another officer who’ll tell me to shut up."

Samrath, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, his voice steady. "It’s not just the rumors. The General confirmed leadership is changing. Whoever it is… they’re stepping into Arjun’s place. And that’s not something our team takes lightly."

A quiet murmur passed through the group. It was true. Arjun wasn’t just their captain—he was their backbone. Any replacement would have to prove themselves in ways no ordinary leader could.

Veer leaned in, voice low. "There’s another rumor."

Aditya’s eyes lit up. "Now we’re talking! Spill it!"

Veer smirked. "Some say it’s a woman."

The helicopter suddenly felt quieter.

Aryan looked thoughtful. "That would explain the secrecy."

Aditya blinked. "Wait. You mean… our squad—a team of reckless maniacs—is going to be commanded by a lady?"

Veer shrugged. "That’s what I heard."

Karan, who had been quietly staring out the window, suddenly spoke up, his voice dreamy. "What if she’s... you know, elegant? Sophisticated? A warrior, but graceful—like one of those action heroines in spy movies?"

The group paused. Aditya blinked. "Wait—what?"

Karan nodded, his tone completely serious. "I’m just saying, maybe she walks in, dressed perfectly in her uniform, eyes sharp, voice smooth—deadly but mysterious. Like a shadow that commands respect..."*

Veer raised an eyebrow. "Karan, we’re getting a captain, not a Bollywood actress."

Aryan smirked. "Did you just create an entire cinematic scene in your head?"

Before the conversation could spiral further, Samrath, the ever-loyal, excitable soldier, finally spoke up—his voice filled with his usual enthusiasm. "Guys, does it matter how she looks? She’s gonna be our captain! We should support her. What if she’s super cool? Like one of those legendary leaders who just gets their team?"

Aditya snorted. "Oh great, Samrath's already emotionally attached and we don’t even know who she is."

Samrath grinned, bouncing slightly in his seat. "I'm just saying! Maybe she’s like... strict but secretly caring, or crazy-skilled with hand-to-hand combat! What if she teaches us some new moves? What if she’s amazing at strategy and actually likes my terrible jokes?"

The squad stared at him.

Aryan sighed. "Samrath. You haven’t even met her yet."

Samrath shrugged. "Doesn’t mean I can’t be excited! We always work as a team—I’m sure she’ll be great!"

Karan crossed his arms. "You’re way too trusting."

Samrath beamed. "And you’re way too skeptical! Balance, Karan. Balance."

Aditya groaned. "I give it two days before she threatens to throw Karan off a helicopter."

Veer grinned. "I give it one."

Samrath just smiled, gazing out at the sky, tail-wagging in spirit.

Whoever their new captain was—she was walking into one hell of a challenge.

    ⭐

The train screeched to a stop, steam curling into the warm Mumbai air. The station was alive—vendors shouting about fresh chai, travelers weaving through the crowd, and the rhythmic clatter of suitcases rolling over the concrete.

Samrath stepped off, duffel bag slung over his shoulder, exhaustion weighing heavy in his muscles. He scanned the crowd, expecting chaos—his mother fussing over his injury, the suffocating hug from Dad, the sarcastic welcome from his annoying sister.

Instead, he saw just one person standing there.

His older brother, Raghav.

Hands casually stuffed in his pockets, looking at Samrath like he was a package delivery that had arrived late.

For a second, neither of them said anything.

Then—without warning—Raghav pulled him into a firm hug.

A second passed.

Then Raghav cleared his throat, quickly stepping back, pretending it never happened.

"Right" Raghav said, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve. "toh tu abhi tak zinda hai."

Samrath smirked. "Disappointed?"

Raghav shrugged. " Meri life thodi easy ho jaati."

They started walking toward the exit, weaving through the crowd. Samrath looked around dramatically, arms spread wide.

"Kya, dada, itna fika welcome?" he complained.

Raghav smirked. "tujhe kya full Bollywood entry chahiye?"

Samrath rolled his eyes. "Thoda to feel dikhana chahiye ki tera bhai zinda laut aaya!"

Raghav sighed, then threw his arms up, yelling loud enough for people to stare—

"OH MY GOD, MY BROTHER IS BACK FROM WAR! A HERO! AN ICON! GIVE HIM SPACE, PEOPLE, HE IS A LEGEND!"

Samrath froze.

"Okay, okay, STOP—"

Raghav grinned, slapping him on the back. " Ata tari santosh zhala ka?"

Samrath sighed, dragging a hand over his face.

This was not the emotional reunion he expected.

But honestly?

It felt exactly right.