[[ Rudra ]]
So this is how it must feel to be dedicated to pursuing a lifetime goal. Rudra looked at Rana who was preparing his luggage. He wondered if Rana had spent nights inside the forest before, for he himself never did. He wanted to tell his superior to not proceed with this, but his duty to his superior was to carry out his orders.
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Rana had already prepared a checklist for his adventure. A proper survival kit and weapons were the main contents. As he was going alone, he didn't seem like he was taking the Walkie-Talkies. As for food, he is immensely knowledgeable about what is edible and what is not in the forest.
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Rana will be leaving tomorrow at daybreak, alone. The thought of Rana walking towards his death made Rudra's mind restless. He knew that finding the dead body of his superior in the forest would give him regrets. Looking at Rana, he was suddenly reminded of why he joined the Rangers corps in the first place. He knew that it would be a trip with no return. The sudden realization took away his dilemma. Rudra made up his mind. He stepped towards his superior.
"I am accompanying you, Sir."
"Eh? What?", Rana replies with a surprised face.
"I want this as well, Sir. I joined the corps to become someone who is brave. I want to be brave, Sir. So, please allow this."
"You are plenty brave, Rudra. I shouldn't even have to tell you this. You proved your bravery when you decided to not fire your gun yesterday. So please, don't doubt yourself for a second about this.
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I know that what I'm now doing is very selfish. But this is something I have to do. I don't want to involve you in my selfishness. Besides, I don't know if we would survive 2 days there. There is no guarantee.", Rana replied.
"I may be considered naive for doing this, Sir. But I am okay with it. And honestly, I think we are both naive to consider doing something outrageous like this. So please don't feel responsible about this."
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"Alright. I accept your help. We will watch each other's back this time too then."
Rudra managed to convince his superior in taking him along after a long discussion. The evening was taking its time to turn over. Rana and Rudra wrote their wills. The envelopes containing their wills were nailed onto the wall of the shelter. Rana wrote the last report.
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March 4, 1984.
Daily beat inspections were conducted without wild encounters. Restocking supplies and fuel were completed. A pack of seven human-like creatures was discovered in Section H. Found to be hostile in nature. Could pose a threat to the vicinity. Approved inspection to be conducted on the said and nearby sectors under Range Officer's autonomy. Attached rough sketch of the found creature with the report.
Amrish Rana, Senior Range Officer.
Rudra Arshwardhan, Forest Guard.
- End of Report -