With a sidelong glance at the guy wearing the mask, he commanded, "I'm going to send them back, so please press the emergency botton now."
The mask man nodded and sprinted off, disappearing into the depths of the settlement.
Ram and Rajeev, still processing the urgency of the situation, felt a growing sense of unease. They exchanged worried glances, aware that they were in jeopardy but uncertain of the exact nature of the threat. Gowthami, sensing the tension but not fully understanding its source, stepped forward.
"I want to help," she said, her voice steady with determination.
Rudra's face softened for a moment, but his resolve remained firm. "No, Gowthami. You must leave. Your safety is paramount."
As they argued, the sound of approaching danger grew louder. Rudra glanced at Vyaaghra, the majestic tiger who had been a steadfast companion and fierce protector, his voice filled with urgency and resolve. "Vyaaghra, quickly, go to your attacking place if you're determined to witness Sakhi safe and joyful."
Vyaaghra's eyes met Rudra's, a silent understanding passing between them. The tiger's gaze then shifted to Sakhi, a tearful glance that spoke of a deep bond and an unspoken farewell. Vyaaghra knew what needed to be done, yet the weight of the moment was almost too much to bear. Turning to face Rajeev and Sakhi, Vyaaghra approached them with slow, deliberate steps. The tiger raised its powerful front legs and wrapped them around both Rajeev and Sakhi, pulling them into a hug that was as tender as it was overwhelming. The sheer weight of Vyaaghra was immense, but Rajeev and Sakhi remained steady, bracing themselves against the tiger's embrace.
Gowthami, with tears welling in her eyes, wrapped her arms tightly around Vyaaghra's neck, her heart heavy with emotion. The tiger's fur was warm and familiar under her touch, a comforting presence that she knew she would miss dearly. Rajeev, too, felt a deep sense of gratitude and sorrow as he stroked Vyaaghra's fur, the reality of their parting sinking in.
After lingering in the embrace for a moment longer, Vyaaghra turned to Ram. The tiger padded over, its massive form casting a shadow over him. Ram, who had always held a mix of awe and trepidation for the tiger, hesitated as Vyaaghra leaned in, wrapping him in a hug. The force of the tiger's embrace was so strong that Ram nearly lost his footing, feeling the ground shift beneath him. The weight of Vyaaghra's affection was almost too much to bear, yet Ram found himself returning the embrace, his arms coming up to hold the tiger in what was both a farewell and a show of respect for the bond they had formed.
With a final, determined look, Vyaaghra stepped back. The tiger's eyes swept over the group one last time before it turned and bounded off into the deep dark room that led to the city entrance. Vyaaghra's powerful strides carried it swiftly into the shadows, where it would take up its position to defend the settlement.
As Vyaaghra disappeared into the darkness, the air was thick with the weight of what had just transpired. Gowthami wiped her tears, Rajeev clenched his fists, and Ram stood in quiet reflection, each of them knowing that the tiger was not just an animal, but a guardian—a protector who had chosen to fight for their safety with a courage and loyalty unmatched by any other.
Gazing at Vyaaghra, Gowthami said, "Can I bring Vyaaghra along?"
"No, you cannot have her with you in Dharmagiri since she is a wild animal. I swear, however, that I will return her to you when you least expect it."
Rudra wasted no time, his movements precise and urgent. With a swift press of a hidden button on the wall, a section of the ground shifted and slid open, revealing a hidden underground chamber. Within it, a sleek, modern mini submarine lay nestled, its smooth surface and advanced technology starkly contrasting with the rustic surroundings above.
"This will take you to safety," Rudra said, his voice firm but laced with a profound sadness. "It's the only way out now."
Ram, eyes wide with confusion, asked, "What is this?"
"It's a vessel that will carry you all straight to the Dharmagiri River," Rudra explained, his urgency palpable. "Please get started as we don't have much time left."
Rajeev, understanding the gravity of the situation, quickly assisted Gowthami into the submarine. He then turned to Ram, guiding him with a sense of purpose. The group descended into the chamber, their hearts heavy with the weight of their imminent departure.
The submarine was a marvel of modern design, its sleek hull reinforced for protection and equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems. Cushioned seats were arranged around a central control panel, blending comfort with functionality. It was built for both speed and stealth, a testament to the advanced technology that Rudra had managed to conceal.
Rudra took a last, lingering glance at them as they prepared to board. He then walked over to Rajeev and embraced him tightly. "Promise me you won't reveal this hidden city to anyone," he whispered, his voice heavy with an emotion Rajeev couldn't quite place but felt deeply. The embrace felt strangely familiar, evoking a sense of connection that was both comforting and unsettling.
Next, Rudra turned to Ram, pulling him into a firm hug. "Take care of Rajeev," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument. "My furious bird," he added, using a nickname that triggered a distant memory in Ram's mind, something from a past that had long been buried.
When Rudra approached Gowthami, his words were softer, yet filled with urgency. "You have my undying love," he said, his eyes reflecting a fierce determination to ensure their safety.
Without another word, Rudra pressed a final hidden button and leapt out of the submarine. As he did, his mask slipped off, clattering to the ground. The door to the chamber closed with a finality that left Ram and Rajeev staring in shock.
As the mask fell away, Rudra's face was revealed, and both Ram and Rajeev gasped in disbelief. The recognition was instant and overwhelming. "Papa!" they cried out in unison, their voices echoing with the shock and joy of seeing the man they had thought lost forever.
But before they could say another word, the door shut with a heavy thud, and the submarine plunged into the water. The sound of the rushing current enveloped them, and the chamber above became a distant memory as the vessel carried them away to safety, leaving behind a family torn apart by secrets and a revelation that came too late.