Kalpana straightens her shoulders, lifts her chin, and puts on her sunglasses—her favorite thing to do. She clasps her hands behind her back, having just finished a conversation with her friend. Now she stands in front of her colleagues. They begin introducing themselves. Suddenly, Kalpana says.
"Jai Hind, Squadron Leader."
Just then, someone from the new team speaks up—he's that typical kind of guy every group has: a bit arrogant, a little rude, unnecessarily casual. Geetika may think she understands Kalpana, but Kalpana is not like that. This guy, however, is on another level. He has issues with feminism. His name is Samrat, call sign "Sam."
"If you can handle a car on the road, then what's your take on a Sukhoi?"
Hearing this, a soft smile appears on Kalpana's lips, but Abhi's shoulders tense slightly with anger. Kalpana gently holds Abhi's arm to stop him and says—
"Let it be, Abhi."(And she laughs.)
With that one laugh, she chooses to ignore him. But ignoring someone with such a laugh, especially someone with an inflated ego, is bound to sting. Sam's ego gets hurt, and he walks off with that emotion.
While walking, Abhi quietly says to Kalpana—
"Panda, why didn't you say something to him?"
"Sometimes words aren't necessary—actions speak louder. And anyway, he's just a kid, let him live his life wrapped in ego."(As she says this, they arrive at the instruction hall.)
Everyone takes their seats. Sam sits to Kalpana's right, Abhi to her left. Kalpana removes her sunglasses and places them on the book holder attached to her chair. The CO (Commanding Officer) enters with the Flying Commander, and everyone sits upright in attention.
The CO nods and says—
"Relaxed."
Everyone relaxes into their chairs, and the CO continues—
"You've all been called here because military activities at the LOC have worsened. So, a Dragon Team is being formed. You've been selected to be part of this world-class team. And I don't need to tell you what it means to be world-class. The Flying Commander will now ask you a few questions."
The Flying Commander steps forward and starts—
"How many engines does a Sukhoi carry?"
"Two, Sir," Sam answers confidently.
The Commander appreciates the response—
"Good."
Sam then proudly looks at Kalpana for validation, but her eyes remain focused on the Commander. He asks the next question—
"How long can a Sukhoi fly continuously in the air?"
Abhi responds—
"10 hours, up to 10 hours with a range of 3,000 kilometers round-trip."
The Flying Commander seems pleased with their confident answers—his posture becomes prouder. Then he asks—
"What type of engine is used in your jet?"
Kalpana answers, lifting her chin slightly—
"LFAI with 14.2 KN including thrust."
Everyone turns to look at her.
"Nice, very nice. This is the level I expect from you all during the mission as well. Keep this up!"
The CO then speaks—
"Yes, and remember—only the best team can perform their best when their internal unity is strong. You'll need to develop good relationships with each other, build ease and bonding."
"So go and get to know each other. Dismissed!"
After the Instruction Hall
The class is dismissed, and everyone walks out laughing. Abhi comments—
"Bonding, huh?"
"So where are we heading?" asks Amez.
"Bonding like kids," Sam mutters sarcastically with a smirk.
His teammate hushes him. Ignoring Sam's rash comments, Amez suggests—
"Let's go to the club."
Sam agrees—
"Yeah, fine."
Kalpana puts her sunglasses back on and signals that she's coming too. They all leave together, sharing light-hearted banter.
Geetika's Cabin
Geetika is in her cabin, discussing something with Anu, when someone walks in, tugging on his left ear, and sits down on the chair—coincidentally, the same one Kalpana had recently sat in. Seeing him, Geetika says—
"Excuse me, Mister. Who are you? And how dare you enter my cabin?"
(This is the politician making headlines today—the same one Bransher mentioned earlier on the phone.)
The politician responds—
"So you're the one who wrote all that nonsense about me, huh? Getting too big for your boots? You don't even know who I am, and yet your feet aren't touching the ground anymore? I already 'explained' things to Bransher—clearly, he didn't explain them to you. Better control your pen before things get out of hand."
Geetika's ears burn with anger. She stands up and says—
"You think I'll be scared of someone like you? That I'll stop writing the truth? That I won't expose your dark deeds? So many people have lost their lives because of your corruption and negligence—so many innocent children have lost their parents! And you think I'll back down?"
(Her eyes are full of fearless rage.)
The politician becomes agitated. He slams both his hands on the table. Anu instinctively steps back. He raises his voice and threatens—
"This is your last warning—back off, or you won't even be able to write again. If I find my name in any of your lines again, forget about your safety. You know how dark valley nights can get, right? I'm leaving now."
As he turns to go, Geetika retorts—
"Take your stupid box of paan with you! And my pen isn't weak enough to stop on a piece of paper—understand? I'm not scared of you at all!"
The politician tugs on his ear again and says—
"You'll suffer. A lot."
(He storms out with heavy steps.)
Geetika takes a deep breath and sinks into her chair. When someone older, physically imposing, chewing paan, and threatening you like that—it does affect you, even if just a little. Her heart aches. Anu gently places her hand on Geetika's and says—
"This can't be a human being... what a disgusting man. Are you okay, Geetu?"
"I'm fine. It's not the first time I've exposed the truth about someone like him."
"Yes, but look at the difference. One woman—my Squadron Leader—came and brought joy with her presence. And then this guy... dirty man, inside and out."
Hearing Kalpana's name from Anu, Geetika squints and says—
"You're back to fangirling over your Squadron Leader again, huh? She's arrogant too—just a different kind of arrogance."
"You're mad! She and that filthy man are worlds apart. She's nice!"
"Nice?! That arrogant lady? Never. I'm so fed up today—these kinds of people think I'll be scared of them? And I should've printed that Kalpana's name today too!"
(There's fury in her eyes.)
"You're crazy! She saved everyone out there and you wanted to expose her? Geetu, what's wrong with you? You're wrong. Now stop glaring at me and come on, let's take Suraj and go out."
"Where do you want to go? I'm not going anywhere. I'm losing my mind!" Geetika snaps.
"That's exactly why we're going. To fix your mood."
The three of them head out to their favorite restaurant. Meanwhile, Kalpana's team finishes their club activity and steps out. Amez says—
"I'm starving, Kalpana. Let's go grab something delicious to eat. It'll help with bonding and kill the hunger too."
"Yeah, you're right." says Kalpana.
"Okay, let's go," she adds as they all head out for dinner.
Restaurant – Two Worlds Collide Again
Kalpana and her team enter their favorite restaurant just as Geetika arrives with Anu and Suraj.
Geetika says:
"You two go ahead, I'll be back from the restroom."
"Okay, be quick," both reply in unison.
"I'll be quick."
She walks toward the restroom, her mind still storming with the politician's threats—his words echoing in her head. Lost in thought, she bumps into something—or rather, someone—very strong. The impact makes her stumble, and she closes her eyes, certain she's about to fall… but she doesn't.
Someone catches her.
Slowly, Geetika opens her eyes—and finds herself staring into another pair of eyes. Eyes she recognizes.
Kalpana's eyes.
Kalpana has caught her firmly with both arms. Their eyes lock. They stare at each other for a long moment. In the collision, the pencil Geetika had tucked into her hair falls out, and her hair comes loose, flowing freely. Her open hair breaks the intensity of their gaze.
Geetika breaks the silence:
"Let go of me."
Kalpana turns her head to the side and says—
"Not again."
She lets go.
Thud! Geetika hits the ground hard.
She holds her waist, shuts her eyes, lifts her face and mutters—
"You arrogant lady. I'm hurt. And you—you don't even care, do you?"
(She winces and holds her waist again.)
Kalpana pulls out her sunglasses from her pocket and puts them on.
"Memory issues? I warned you to stay away from me. But no—you didn't listen. And now you're blaming me for not caring?"
Geetika stands up and faces her directly.
"I have no interest in seeing you. I came here just to get rid of a bad feeling... only to run into another one."
Kalpana replies sharply:
"Then stop looking at this 'bad thing.' Go. Leave. Don't waste my time. Hurry up."
"You don't need to worry about my time. And I'm not going anywhere. This isn't your house."
"I wasn't talking about your time—I meant mine. The one you're already wasting."
(Saying this, Kalpana presses a finger lightly on Geetika's shoulder and pushes her aside.)
She walks past Geetika, brushing her left side.
This burns Geetika up inside. She stomps her left foot and bites her lip.
"Why does this woman keep crossing my path?"
(She says this, looking upward as if asking the universe.)
She scoops water from a nearby sink with both hands and splashes her face, trying to cool her temper.
Back at the Table
Kalpana returns to her team and sits down. Amez asks—
"What happened, Panda? Took so long."
"Nothing. Waste of time. Just… sometimes people crash into you even in your time."
Bat adds:
"So, what should we order?"
Kalpana immediately replies:
"Rogan Josh."
Everyone says together—
"Roger that, Panda."
Their synchronized voice makes nearby diners smile, some even glance over in amusement. The team gestures apologies with their hands, then dig into their meal as their order arrives.
Meanwhile, Geetika returns to her "monkeys" (Anu and Suraj), sees their food already served, and happily says—
"Wow! Rogan Josh! I'm starving!"
Everyone enjoys their meal. Once the main course is finished, Kalpana says—
"Ah, I want Shufta."
Abhi immediately responds—
"I knew it! Of course you'd want that. I'll get it for you."
Suddenly, Sam remarks sarcastically—
"Oh really? So even a flying woman needs someone for dessert too? Whom does she take with her in the air, then?"
Abhi snaps back:
"Oh, come on Sam, grow up, man!"
Kalpana lightly calls out—
"Abhi…"
She signals him to let it go. Abhi understands and quietly walks away to fetch the dessert. The rest of them resume their conversation.
Just then, Kalpana's phone starts ringing.
She steps slightly away from the group, picks up the call, and answers—
"Connecting... Panda here."
The voice on the other end responds—
"Connected, Panda. We've located a person associated with the group we've been tracking. He's currently in the valley, hovering near your airbase."
Kalpana's eyes widen slightly.
"What?! Then why are you wasting time? Send the file immediately."
"Roger, Panda. But don't go in alone—this one is extremely dangerous and tough."
"Yes, I know. But I need Gaurav—as soon as possible. Now stop wasting time and send the file."
"Roger, Panda. Be careful."
"Disconnecting."
(She ends the call.)
Kalpana tilts her head back slightly and mutters to herself—
"Now how do I get out of here?"
On the Move Again
Kalpana walks back to the table, picks up her sunglasses, and says—
"I need to step out for a while. You all stay. I'll be back."
Bat asks:
"Where are you going?"
"It's important. Just a little task. I told you—I'll be back."
Abhi returns and says:
"But at least eat your Shufta before you go."
"Yeah, thank you! I'm definitely eating this."
(She smiles at Abhi, picks up a piece of Shufta, eats it, and walks out.)
Geetika's Parallel Track
Geetika is still busy finishing her meal when Suraj's phone pings with a notification. Chewing his bite, he checks his phone. The moment he opens it, he swallows his bite in one gulp and says—
"Lead."
Geetika looks up and calmly says—
"Send it to me."
(She quickly finishes the last of her food.)
She doesn't skip anything. She gulps down a glass of water and stands up.
Suraj says:
"Wait, I'm coming too."
Geetika responds:
"No, you stay here. I can handle this. And drop her home on your way."
While still chewing, Anu says—
"Where are you going?"
Geetika snaps back playfully:
"You focus on eating. And yes, Suraj, don't forget to go with her—you both together."
Saying that, Geetika exits.
Now, they aren't technically going together—but it seems like they're heading to the same destination.
Kalpana revs up her bullet motorcycle. Geetika hails a rickshaw.
Each woman, in her own way, is preparing to face what comes next.
Top of Form
Kalpana rides her bullet swiftly through the cold, shadowy roads of the valley. Her eyes are alert. Her body leans slightly forward, focused. The call from headquarters echoes in her head:
"The man is near your airbase, dangerous and connected to the trafficking ring."
Meanwhile, in another lane, Geetika is inside a fast-moving rickshaw. Her face is intense but calm. Her phone is open to the document Suraj sent. Her journalist instincts are awake—sharp, calculated, but angry too. Her mind replays what the politician said earlier:
"Back off… or you won't be able to write again."
She clutches her bag tighter. Inside it is her recorder, her press ID, and her courage.
Both women, riding parallel paths, unaware that their roads may soon intersect. The mountains stand tall, silent, like witnesses to what's coming.
A Suspicious Location Near the Airbase
Kalpana slows down near an old, abandoned warehouse. The night air grows heavier. She turns off the engine quietly and removes her helmet. Every sense in her body is alert.
She whispers on her mic:
"Panda, location reached. Awaiting visual."
Back at the ops room, a voice responds:
"Roger, Panda. Satellite feed confirms: single male figure, outside the warehouse, possibly armed."
Kalpana carefully moves into the shadows. She spots a man exchanging a packet with someone on a bike. Her eyes narrow.
Just as she steps closer, she hears a shuffling noise behind her.
She draws her sidearm.
Suddenly, from the other side of the compound, another figure is also moving—Geetika.
She's holding her phone up, quietly taking photos. Kalpana spots her.
"What the hell is she doing here?" Kalpana mutters.
But before Kalpana can signal her, a gunshot is heard.
"Down!" Kalpana shouts.
She pushes Geetika to the side and takes cover.
The man near the bike runs. Kalpana gives chase. Geetika shouts—
"I got his face! I recorded it!"
Kalpana yells:
"Then stay back! This is not your war zone!"
But Geetika doesn't stop.
Kalpana runs like a storm through the rocky terrain. The man runs through a narrow alley, trying to escape. Kalpana jumps over a crate, tackles him from behind, and pins him down.
"Who sent you?! Who's funding the valley operation?!"
He spits blood and laughs—
"You're already too late, lady."
Kalpana punches him once—controlled, but hard enough to silence him. She pulls out a set of zip ties and cuffs his hands.
By the time she stands up, she sees Geetika walking toward her, breathless but steady.
Geetika says:
"I told you I'm not scared of the dark. And I'm not scared of you either."
Kalpana snaps:
"And I told you to stay away from me. You almost got shot!"
Geetika:
"And you almost missed your chance at justice if I hadn't caught his face on video."
They stare at each other again—fury, pride, exhaustion, and something unsaid pass between them.
Just then, Kalpana gets a call on her communicator—
"Panda, confirm capture."
Kalpana responds:
"Subject neutralized. Mission complete."
"Return to base."
She looks at Geetika.
"You coming? Or do you need a separate victory lane?"
Geetika smirks.
"I'll ride... only if you promise not to crash into me again."
Kalpana (dryly):
"No promises."
As Kalpana ties the man tighter and signals for pickup, both women walk off toward the road, not friends… not enemies… but something new forming in the spaces between conflict and connection.
Scene: After the Mission – Midnight Return
Kalpana waits near the edge of the road, the captured man restrained beside her. Soon, an army vehicle arrives. Two commandos step out, salute, and take the man into custody.
Kalpana speaks into her mic—
"Panda to Base—subject delivered. Returning."
Geetika stands beside her silently, watching the scene.
Kalpana finally breaks the silence:
"You shouldn't have followed. This was an official op."
Geetika responds coolly:
"And what he was doing was unofficial murder. You have guns, I have words. Both shoot truth."
Kalpana looks at her for a long moment, then turns and begins walking toward her bike.
Geetika follows. There's an awkward silence, not hostile, but loaded.
Kalpana finally says:
"Hop on. I'll drop you. Rickshaws don't show up here past midnight."
Geetika hesitates, then smirks—
"This doesn't mean I like you."
Kalpana (without turning):
"Good. I'd worry if you did."
Geetika climbs on the back of the bullet.
The night is cold. The silence between them is warmer than before.
Scene: On the Ride – Unexpected Calm
As they ride through the silent hills, the hum of the bullet is the only sound. Geetika gently says—
"You didn't ask what I captured."
Kalpana replies:
"I saw. When you stood up—your phone was still recording. You don't miss."
Geetika:
"And you don't fall. Unless I make you trip over your pride."
Kalpana chuckles softly—perhaps the first genuine one around Geetika.
"You're annoying," she says.
"You're impossible," Geetika returns.
They both go quiet. The wind brushes past. Fireflies flicker like floating stars.
Geetika says in a softer tone—
"Kalpana…"
Kalpana doesn't respond but listens.
"Why do you carry so much weight inside? You lead a squadron, command operations, save lives—but you talk to people like they're the enemy."
Kalpana's grip on the handle tightens just a bit. Then she says—
"Because sometimes they are. And sometimes... words don't survive where action is needed."
There's a long pause.
Geetika whispers—
"You don't have to fight every war alone."
Kalpana doesn't reply. But something flickers in her expression. A crack in the wall. A breath held too long.
Near the Base – Before Parting
They arrive near the base gates. Geetika gets off the bike.
"Thanks for the ride, Squadron Leader."
Kalpana nods:
"Thanks for not getting killed, Journalist Madam."
Geetika smiles.
Before turning to leave, she says—
"Oh, and… next time, don't let me fall."
Kalpana quips:
"Next time, don't walk into me."
Geetika gives a little mock salute and walks away.
Kalpana sits on her bike a moment longer, then finally mutters under her breath—
"Mad woman."
(She smiles… just a little.)
She kicks the bullet into gear and rides off into the night.
After Geetika walks away toward the base gate, Kalpana sits still on her bullet, looking into the distance where the hills fade into darkness.
The winds feel different now—quieter, thoughtful.
She adjusts her gloves, then gazes up at the moonlit sky.
Kalpana (softly to herself):
"Some wars… don't need a battlefield."
A memory flashes—Gaurav's face, the sound of laughter, and then silence.
Her face tightens. Resolve returns.
She speaks into her communicator—
"Panda to Command. I need access to file #V-17. Anything linked to the trafficking ops—especially near Sector C."
The voice responds—
"Roger, Panda. Access being granted. Are you moving alone?"
"No," Kalpana replies, pausing for a moment as she watches Geetika disappear behind the gates.
"Not anymore."
She puts on her helmet, revs up the bike, and speeds into the dark valley, her silhouette blending into the night.
Meanwhile: Geetika's Walk
Geetika walks through the quiet corridor of the base quarters. Her steps are slower now, thoughtful.
She reaches her room, closes the door, and leans against it, exhaling deeply.
Then she walks to her desk, opens her laptop, and inserts the memory card from her recorder.
Dozens of images pop up—the man's face, the exchange, even Kalpana tackling him.
She smiles faintly.
"Who's impossible now?"
She begins typing the headline of her new story—
"Bullet and Pen: How the Valley Fights Its Shadows"
She stops. Rewrites.
"Flying Without Fear"
She hits save.
Looks out the window.
Somewhere out there, a woman in uniform is riding into the unknown—and maybe, just maybe, they're both on the same side now.