Location: Alliance Base Camp – Mission Room
Next Morning – 9:07 AM
Vashti was mid-bite into her protein bar when Colonel Arya stormed in with a grim face and a folder stamped TOP SECRET.
"Vashti. Shabd. You're going undercover."
She blinked. "We just survived a bullet-storm last night and now you want—"
"—you both to pose as an engaged neurosurgeon couple infiltrating Zenith Medical Conference," Arya finished. "The enemy's sleeper agents will be there. We need access."
Shabd leaned forward. "Why not send someone already married?"
Arya smirked. "Because you two are perfect. You're real doctors. You have chemistry. And your file screams 'complicated history'. No one will suspect it's a mission."
Vashti scoffed. "We're not even a real couple."
"You kissed in the middle of a warzone," Arya said. "Convincing enough."
---
Later That Day – Gear Room
Shabd stood beside Vashti, watching her reluctantly wear the silver engagement ring.
"This feels illegal," she muttered.
He chuckled. "Would you prefer a pink one with a heart?"
She glared. "I'd prefer we didn't have to fake anything."
He grew quiet. "What if it's not all fake for me?"
Her eyes met his. Raw. Confused.
"Don't mess with me, Heer," she whispered. "Not when I've fought battles just to not love you."
"I'm not messing."
Silence.
She turned away. "Focus on the mission. Feelings can wait."
But her fingers lingered on the ring longer than necessary.
---
At Zenith Conference – Evening Gala
They arrived like fire and ice.
Vashti in a crimson saree, hair curled slightly, gold earrings glinting.
Shabd in a black tux, clean-shaven, calm—but with a wildness in his eyes only she saw.
People stared.
And then—
They were asked to kiss on stage to prove their engagement during a tradition-based ceremony segment.
Vashti froze.
Shabd offered his hand.
"You've kissed me once. This one won't have bullets."
She rolled her eyes. "This one has a crowd."
He leaned in.
And this time—the kiss was slower. Softer. But deeper.
The world clapped.
But inside both of them, thunder rolled.
---
That Night – Balcony Overlooking the Garden
"You're getting too good at this fake love thing," she murmured.
"I stopped faking two chapters ago," he replied, dead serious.
She turned to face him.
"I don't want a fake ending."
"Then give me the real one," he said.
She hesitated. "Shabd…"
But her phone buzzed.
A single message.
> "Code Red. Enemy at the Gala. One of you is marked. Move. Now."