Ishkii

The sun had barely begun to rise when Ishkii stepped out onto the small balcony of their apartment. The cold morning air brushed against her face, but she remained unaffected, her sharp eyes scanning the quiet street below. 

Inside, Tara was sitting cross-legged on the floor, sipping coffee while Adit checked his weapons. The room was silent except for the occasional click of a gun being loaded. The calm before the storm. 

A sudden knock on the door broke the silence. Tara groaned. "Subah subah kaun aa gaya?" (Who's here so early?) 

Ishkii didn't respond. She walked over and opened the door. Standing there was **Aman**, dressed in black cargo pants and a fitted jacket, his expression calm as always. He carried a duffel bag over his shoulder, his sharp gaze flickering between the three of them. 

"Aman?" Adit raised an eyebrow. "Tu yahan kya kar raha hai?" (What are you doing here?) 

Aman stepped inside without invitation, setting his bag down. "Ishkii ne bulaya." (Ishkii called me.) His voice was even, as if the answer should have been obvious. 

Tara blinked. "Wait, what?" She turned to Ishkii. "Madam, ye kab decide kiya?" (Madam, when did you decide this?) 

Ishkii crossed her arms. "Kal raat." (Last night.) She looked at Aman. "Tumhara experience aur skills humein kaam aayenge. Yeh case simple nahi hai, aur mujhe sirf professionals chahiye." (Your experience and skills will be useful. This case isn't simple, and I only want professionals.) 

Aman nodded once. "Mujhe terms batao." (Tell me the terms.) 

Adit leaned back, smirking. "Terms wahi purane. Client ki security sabse pehle. Koi personal attachment allowed nahi. Aur…" (Same old terms. The client's security comes first. No personal attachments allowed. And…) He glanced at Ishkii with amusement. "Madam ke orders final honge." (Madam's orders will be final.) 

Aman simply nodded, as if he had expected that. "Theek hai." (Alright.) 

Tara sighed, standing up. "Fine, ab toh hum chaar ho gaye. Mission aur dangerous lag raha hai." (Fine, now we're four. This mission is starting to feel even more dangerous.) 

Ishkii picked up her jacket, sliding her arms into it. "Tayyar ho jao. Hum ek ghante mein nikal rahe hain." (Get ready. We leave in an hour.) 

Adit rolled his eyes. "Yeh ladki ek second bhi relax nahi karti." (This girl doesn't relax for even a second.) 

But deep down, all of them knew—this wasn't a job they could take lightly. Something about this case felt different. None of them said it aloud, but the tension in the air was enough to make them all feel it. 

This mission wasn't just about protecting Avyan Rajput. It was about stepping into an unpredictable storm.

The tension from their small apartment carried over into the flight. None of them were the type to engage in idle conversation. Ishkii sat by the window, her gaze fixed outside as the plane cut through the sky. The morning sun cast a golden glow over the clouds, but she barely noticed. Her mind was focused on one thing—her new job. 

Adit sat beside her, flipping through his phone, while Aman and Tara were a few seats behind. None of them spoke much, but they didn't need to. They were all prepared for what lay ahead. 

After a long, silent journey, the pilot's voice echoed through the cabin. 

"Hum Mumbai ke Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport par land kar rahe hain. Kripya apni seat belts bandh lein." (We are landing at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Please fasten your seatbelts.) 

Ishkii tightened her seatbelt and exhaled. "Yahan se sab kuch badalne wala hai." (Everything is going to change from here.) 

The plane touched down smoothly, and within minutes, they were off the aircraft, walking through the bustling airport. Mumbai was awake—chaotic, loud, and alive. 

Adit adjusted his bag. "Toh, kya Rajput khandan ne gaadi bheji hai ya auto pakadna padega?" (So, has the Rajput family sent a car, or do we need to take an auto?) 

Before Ishkii could respond, a well-dressed man in a black suit approached them. "Ms. Ishkii?" 

She gave him a curt nod. "Haan." (Yes.) 

The man nodded respectfully. "Main Mr. Rajput ka assistant hoon. Unhone aapko lene bheja hai. Gaadi tayyar hai." (I am Mr. Rajput's assistant. He sent me to pick you up. The car is ready.) 

Tara whistled. "VIP treatment mil raha hai. Not bad." 

Aman, as usual, remained silent, simply observing. 

The man gestured toward the exit, and they followed him outside. A sleek black SUV was parked at the curb. Without a word, they all loaded their bags into the trunk and got inside. 

As the car pulled onto the road, weaving through Mumbai's traffic, Ishkii leaned back against the seat. Her fingers tapped against her thigh in thought. 

Avyan Rajput. 

The name sounded simple, but she knew—nothing about this mission would be simple.

The black SUV rolled through the grand iron gates of the Rajput mansion, gliding down a long, tree-lined driveway. The estate was massive, its architecture speaking of old wealth and power. The car came to a smooth stop in front of the grand entrance, where several staff members stood waiting. 

As Ishkii stepped out, her sharp gaze scanned the surroundings instinctively. No obvious security breaches, well-maintained perimeter, multiple entry points—but nothing she couldn't handle. Adit, Aman, and Tara followed, each taking in the luxurious estate in their own way. 

Inside the mansion, **Rajveer Rajput**, Avyan's father, sat in his expansive study, his fingers tapping against the wooden desk. His assistant stood by his side, looking nervous. 

"Sir," the assistant spoke hesitantly. "Bodyguard team aa chuki hai." (The bodyguard team has arrived.) 

Rajveer didn't look up. "Theek hai. Bulaiye unhe." (Alright. Call them in.) 

A moment later, the grand doors of the study swung open, and Ishkii walked in, followed by Adit, Aman, and Tara. Their presence was sharp, professional—until Rajveer's eyes landed on Ishkii. 

There was a flicker of confusion, then disbelief. 

Rajveer's expression hardened. "Yeh mazak hai?" (Is this a joke?) His sharp gaze shifted to his assistant. "Maine kaha tha best security chahiye. Yeh ladki yahan kya kar rahi hai?" (I asked for the best security. What is this girl doing here?) 

Ishkii's jaw tightened, but her face remained unreadable. She had dealt with men like him before. 

Adit smirked, leaning in slightly. "Sir, yeh 'ladki' aapke bete ki jaan bachane aayi hai. Aur yakeen maaniye, yeh kaam isse behtar koi nahi kar sakta." (Sir, this 'girl' is here to save your son's life. And believe me, no one can do this job better than her.) 

Rajveer's frown deepened. "Mujhe iski guarantee chahiye." (I need proof of her capability.) 

Ishkii finally spoke, her voice calm but firm. "Mujhe kisi ko prove karne ki zaroorat nahi hai. Aapne best security maangi thi, aur main yahan hoon. Agar aapko koi aur chahiye, toh abhi keh dijiye, taaki main apna waqt barbaad na karun." (I don't need to prove anything to anyone. You asked for the best security, and I'm here. If you want someone else, say it now so I don't waste my time.) 

There was a stunned silence. Even Adit and Tara exchanged glances, impressed by how boldly she spoke to a man like Rajveer Rajput. 

Aman, standing quietly in the back, finally added in a calm voice, "Sir, Avyan Rajput ki safety isse zyada important honi chahiye. Personal opinions baad mein rakh sakte hain." (Sir, Avyan Rajput's safety should be the priority. Personal opinions can be dealt with later.) 

Rajveer exhaled sharply. He didn't like this. But he wasn't a fool. If this girl had the reputation of being the best, then emotions couldn't cloud his decision. 

After a long pause, he finally nodded. "Theek hai. Magar agar ek bhi galti hui, toh tum sab zimmedar hoge." (Fine. But if there's even one mistake, all of you will be responsible.) 

Ishkii gave a short nod. "Aisa nahi hoga." (That won't happen.) 

Just then, a new voice cut through the tension. 

"Kya ho raha hai yahan?" (What's happening here?) 

All heads turned toward the doorway. 

Avyan Rajput stood there, his tired eyes scanning the room. His gaze landed on Ishkii. He blinked once, confused, as if trying to figure out what she was doing there. 

And just like that, the real challenge began.

Avyan stepped inside the study, his sharp gaze scanning the unfamiliar faces. His mother, Suhani, and his younger sister, Ahaana, followed closely behind him. While Suhani's expression held curiosity and concern, Ahaana looked outright confused. 

"Kya ho raha hai yahan?" Avyan repeated, his voice carrying an edge of impatience. (What's happening here?) 

Rajveer exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Tumhari suraksha ke liye bodyguard rakha hai." (We've hired a bodyguard for your safety.) 

Avyan's gaze flickered to Ishkii. His brows furrowed slightly, and then—he laughed. A dry, humorless chuckle. 

"Yeh?" He pointed at Ishkii, looking back at his father. "Yeh meri bodyguard hai?" (Her? She's my bodyguard?) 

Ishkii remained still, her expression unreadable. She had seen this reaction before—doubt, disbelief, mockery. It didn't faze her. 

Suhani placed a hand on Avyan's arm, her voice gentle. "Beta, tumhari suraksha ke liye zaroori hai." (Son, this is necessary for your safety.) 

Avyan shrugged her hand off, his jaw tightening. "Mujhe koi bodyguard nahi chahiye, aur khas kar yeh ladki toh bilkul nahi." (I don't need a bodyguard, and especially not this girl.) 

Ahaana, who had been watching quietly, finally spoke up. "Bhai, par agar Papa ne—" (Brother, but if Dad—) 

"Nahi!" Avyan cut her off sharply. His tired eyes, dark from sleepless nights, burned with frustration. "Mujhe yeh sab nahi chahiye. Mujhe mere haal pe chhod do." (I don't want this. Just leave me alone.) 

Ishkii finally moved, taking a step forward. Her voice was calm but firm. "Tumhari pasand matter nahi karti. Tumhari safety matter karti hai." (Your preference doesn't matter. Your safety does.) 

Avyan's head snapped toward her, his eyes narrowing. "Tum mujhe sikha rahi ho ki meri life kaise chalti hai?" (You're teaching me how my life works?) 

Ishkii crossed her arms, her own gaze unwavering. "Nahi. Main sirf bata rahi hoon ki tum kya control nahi kar sakte." (No. I'm just telling you what you can't control.) 

The room went silent. Suhani and Ahaana exchanged nervous glances, while Rajveer observed the exchange carefully. 

Avyan scoffed, shaking his head. "Tum jaanti nahi ho main kaun hoon." (You don't know who I am.) 

Ishkii tilted her head slightly, her voice turning ice-cold. "Mujhe sirf yeh jaanna zaroori hai ki tum meri responsibility ho. Tumhari attitude se mujhe koi farak nahi padta." (I only need to know that you're my responsibility. Your attitude doesn't matter to me.) 

Avyan clenched his fists, feeling an unfamiliar frustration rise within him. He was used to people listening to him, to them treating him like someone fragile, someone to be pitied. But this girl—she wasn't treating him like that at all. 

She wasn't intimidated. She wasn't impressed. 

And for the first time in a long time, he felt truly challenged.

Avyan clenched his jaw, his patience running thin. He had expected resistance from his father, maybe even some emotional persuasion from his mother—but this? A bodyguard who acted like she owned the place? Who didn't flinch at his words? 

Gritting his teeth, he turned on his heel. "Main is bakwaas ka hissa nahi banne wala." (I'm not going to be a part of this nonsense.) 

Without another word, he stormed out of the study, his footsteps echoing down the marble hallway. Suhani sighed, exchanging a helpless look with Rajveer, while Ahaana bit her lip, torn between understanding her brother's frustration and knowing this was necessary for his safety. 

Rajveer's assistant, **Mr. Mehta**, cleared his throat, breaking the tense silence. "Sir, agar aap kahen toh main inhe bodyguard quarters dikhadu?" (Sir, if you allow, I can show them the bodyguard quarters?) 

Rajveer gave a curt nod. "Haan, inhe saari facilities dikhaiye." (Yes, show them all the facilities.) 

Mr. Mehta gestured towards the door. "Aap sab mere saath chaliye." (Please follow me.) 

Ishkii, Adit, Aman, and Tara followed him out, walking through the grand corridors of the Rajput mansion. The walls were adorned with antique paintings and intricate carvings, exuding an air of old wealth. Despite the luxury, Ishkii remained unimpressed—she had seen too many rich families with their hidden problems to be awed by their wealth. 

After a short walk through the sprawling estate, they reached a separate building near the back of the property. It was a well-fortified house, equipped with all modern security systems. 

"This is where you all will be staying," Mr. Mehta explained, pushing the heavy wooden doors open. "Ye quarters specially trained security teams ke liye design kiye gaye hain. Yahan har ek facility available hai jo aapko chahiye hogi." (These quarters are designed for highly trained security teams. Every facility you'll need is available here.) 

The interior was sleek and modern, a contrast to the traditional Rajput mansion. There was a spacious common area, a fully equipped training room, and separate rooms for each team member. 

Adit whistled, looking around. "Kafi badhiya hai. Mujhe laga tha hume kisi chhoti jagah daal denge." (Not bad. I thought they'd dump us in some small space.) 

Aman checked the security system panel on the wall. "Advanced security setup hai. Good." (It's an advanced security setup. Good.) 

Ishkii walked to the large glass windows that overlooked the main house. From here, she could see the Rajput mansion's entrance clearly—every car that came in, every person that moved around. Perfect for surveillance. 

She turned to Mr. Mehta. "Avyan ki routine, uske schedules, aur possible threats ki saari details kal subah tak chahiye mujhe." (I need Avyan's routine, his schedules, and all possible threat details by tomorrow morning.) 

Mr. Mehta hesitated before nodding. "Ji, main arrange karwa dunga." (Yes, I'll arrange it.) 

Ishkii glanced at Adit and Aman. "Aaj raat se security check shuru kar do. Kisi bhi suspicious activity pe mujhe report chahiye." (Start security checks from tonight. I want reports on any suspicious activity.) 

Adit grinned. "Samajh gaye, boss." (Understood, boss.) 

Tara, who had been quiet, finally spoke. "Aur Avyan Rajput ka kya? Jab tak yeh maanega nahi, tab tak cooperation expect mat karna." (And what about Avyan Rajput? Until he accepts this, don't expect cooperation.) 

Ishkii smirked slightly. "Uske cooperation ki zaroorat nahi hai. Mujhe sirf apna kaam karna hai." (I don't need his cooperation. I just need to do my job.) 

As the sun began to set over the Rajput estate, one thing was clear—Ishkii and her team were here to stay, whether Avyan liked it or not.

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