The atmosphere inside A.G.N.I.'s headquarters was thick with tension, each member of the team aware that something important was happening, though none knew exactly what. The usual hum of activity in the halls had quieted, and the staff gathered in the vast, sleek conference room. On the wall, a massive screen flickered to life, displaying the face of the President of India.
His expression was stern, his eyes locked with Albert Lam's through the screen, as if trying to pierce through him. Albert stood unwavering, his posture stoic, the cool indifference in his demeanor like a barrier between him and the weight of the President's words. Bhalla Singh stood silently beside him, his face betraying the faintest trace of concern.
President:
"Mr. Lam, you and Singh need to be at my office immediately. There are matters we cannot discuss over this channel."
A cold silence descended over the room. The President's command wasn't just a request; it was an order.
Albert's face remained unreadable, but Bhalla could feel the palpable weight of the situation. He had never seen the President this serious, not even when dealing with A.G.N.I.'s most covert operations. It felt as though the very air had shifted, charged with an electric intensity.
Albert:
"Understood, sir. We'll be on our way."
The President nodded, his gaze unwavering.
The call ended abruptly, leaving the room in an uneasy silence. Staff members glanced at one another, exchanging puzzled looks, but none dared speak. The weight of the President's words hung heavily in the air.
Albert turned to Bhalla, his movements deliberate, as he gathered his things.
Albert:
"Let's go."
As they made their way down the long corridor of A.G.N.I.'s headquarters, the silence between them was thick with unspoken thoughts. The usual hum of activity in the building felt distant, almost muffled by the urgency of the moment. Bhalla's steps were slower, his mind racing with questions.
Albert's pace didn't slow as he walked ahead, but Bhalla couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.
Finally, Bhalla spoke, his voice quiet but firm.
Bhalla:
"Sir, what's going on? Why did the President call us in like that? No explanations, just... 'come to my office immediately.'"
Albert didn't turn to face him but continued walking with the same deliberate steps.
Albert:
"Some things are better left unsaid, Bhalla."
The coldness in Albert's voice seemed to settle into the very walls around them, his words a constant reminder of the man's impenetrable nature.
But Bhalla, unable to hold back the burning question, pushed further.
Bhalla:
"Sir... I know we've been through a lot, but I can't help but wonder. You don't show anything, not even when the President himself calls for you like this. It's like you're made of stone."
For a moment, Albert didn't respond. His silence was more powerful than any words he could've spoken. They walked in step, the sound of their shoes clicking on the polished floor was the only noise that filled the space between them.
Then Albert spoke, his voice low and measured.
Albert:
"Some things are meant to be brushed off. You'll understand when the time comes. But right now, focus on what's in front of us."
Bhalla, feeling the weight of those words, fell silent. He could tell that Albert was holding back something—something deep, something painful. The longer they worked together, the more Bhalla understood that Albert's cold demeanor wasn't just a persona. It was a shield.
As they reached the elevator, Bhalla spoke again, but this time his words were quieter, softer.
Bhalla:
"Sir, you don't have to keep it all inside. I've been with you for five years. You don't have to carry this burden alone."
Albert glanced at him for a split second, his eyes cold yet thoughtful.
Albert:
"When the time comes, Bhalla. When the time comes."
With that, the two men stepped into the elevator, the doors closing with a quiet hiss. The tension between them was thick as they descended, heading toward an unknown meeting that neither could predict.
The stone heart that Albert carried with him was about to be tested once more—but what he would reveal in the President's office, and when, was something neither of them could foresee.
The President's office was a stark contrast to the cold, calculated walls of A.G.N.I. The room was grand, with portraits of past leaders adorning the walls, and a large, polished wooden desk stood in the center. Albert and Bhalla entered, their footsteps echoing softly on the marble floor.
The President stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the skyline. Without turning around, he spoke.
President:
"Mr. Lam, Mr. Singh. I trust you're well?"
Albert nodded silently, while Bhalla, trying to ease the tension, leaned slightly forward, grinning awkwardly.
Bhalla:
"Sir, nice to meet you... and, uh, what's the plan for today? World domination? Or just a nice tea party?"
Bhalla's nervous attempt at humor hung in the air.
Albert didn't even flinch, his stone-cold expression unchanged. The President, still facing the window, didn't acknowledge the joke either, his silence growing heavier with each passing second.
Bhalla, realizing his attempt at humor had fallen flat, awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
Bhalla:
"Uh, just kidding... of course, we're all about serious business here, huh?"
The President finally turned, his gaze sharp and unamused.
President:
"Mr. Singh, this is not a time for jokes."
Bhalla's face turned a shade redder, and he quickly stepped back, offering an apologetic smile.
Bhalla:
"Right, no jokes, I'll just... stay out of the way."
Albert gave Bhalla a side glance, a faint glimmer of amusement flickering in his usually unreadable eyes. Bhalla, uncomfortable, quickly backed out of the room, leaving Albert and the President to speak in private.
Outside the office, Bhalla paced back and forth, muttering to himself.
Bhalla (to himself):
"Well, that went well... Real smooth, Bhalla. Real smooth."
Inside, Albert and the President engaged in a tense conversation, but the details of their discussion remained a mystery. Bhalla could only stand there, feeling more like a spectator than a participant in the unfolding events.
After what seemed like an eternity, Albert finally stepped out of the office, his usual stoic expression back in place. Bhalla immediately approached him, eager for any clue as to what had just transpired.
Bhalla:
"What did the President say, sir?" Bhalla asked, trying to sound casual, but the unease in his voice was evident.
Albert's eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained silent for a long moment. Finally, he spoke, his voice low.
Albert:
"We're going to Rajasthan."
The words hung in the air, as if they carried a weight that Bhalla didn't fully understand. His curiosity piqued, but Albert's stone-cold demeanor made it clear that there was no room for further questions...
BACK TO PRESENT
Aarvansh was still staring at the Television down the street, his phone pressed to his ear as he continued speaking with Shaurya.
Aarvansh:
"Shaurya, are you seeing this?"
Shaurya:
"Seeing what?"
Aarvansh's eyes widened as the crowd around a nearby television grew.
Aarvansh:
"Oh my god!!"
Shaurya:
"What happened? Speak!"
Aarvansh's gaze remained fixed on the screen, his heart pounding in his chest as the news anchor's voice blared from the television:
News Anchor:
"Renowned entrepreneur and public figure, Mr. Albert Lam… Has gone missing."
Aarvansh swallowed hard, his mind racing.
Aarvansh:
"Shaurya, there's something off about this person. When I met him, he didn't seem like a normal entrepreneur. My gut tells me he's not what he seems…"
Shaurya (whispering):
"What do you mean? You think he's involved in something?"
Aarvansh didn't answer immediately. His gaze was still glued to the screen, his suspicion growing with every passing second.
Aarvansh:
"I don't know yet. But something's definitely not right. I don't think this is the last time we'll hear about Mr. Albert Lam."
Shaurya:
"I'm not sure about that. The news says he's been gone since ......2 weeks !"