As we finished our dinner and the bill was settled, my phone buzzed once more. I glanced at the screen and saw a new message from the same unknown number. It simply read: "Yellow."
I quickly checked the last few digits of the number again to confirm it was indeed them. Once satisfied, I deleted the message.
Turning to my friends, I put on a calm face. "Hey, everyone, I just received an urgent message about a group meeting related to our project. I think I need to stay and sort things out."
Neha frowned. "You're kidding, right? We just finished our meal. Can't it wait?"
I managed a reassuring smile. "It's important. I promised my group I'd be there. You all go ahead and enjoy the rest of your evening."
Ria looked concerned but didn't press further. "Alright, if you say so. Just make sure to take a break and don't overdo it."
Namrata gave me a thoughtful glance. "Okay. If you need anything, just let us know. We'll catch up with you later."
After they went, I quickly composed an email, detailing the completed task and ensuring all the relevant information was included. After hitting "Send," I closed my laptop and took a deep breath.
I picked up my phone and dialed a number I knew well—Ramkumar's. After a few rings, his voice came through the line.
"Hi, Sir. I just wanted to let you know that I've completed the task."
There was a brief pause on the other end before Ramkumar's voice responded, calm and approving. "Good. I'll review it and get back to you if there are any issues."
I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "Thank you. I'll be waiting for your feedback."
"Devika, sorry for the urgency," Ramkumar's voice came through, tinged with a hint of seriousness. "I wouldn't have contacted you if it wasn't critical. The task you completed was part of a crucial mission, and we'll definitely need your skills in the future as well."
I felt a knot of tension in my stomach, realizing the gravity of the situation. "I understand. Just let me know what's required."
"Thanks for being flexible," Ramkumar said. "I'll keep you updated on any developments. Your expertise is going to be vital moving forward."
"Got it. I'll be ready."
After the call ended, I sat back in my chair, contemplating the implications of Ramkumar's message. This wasn't just a routine assignment—it was part of something much larger. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the challenges ahead.
as I prepared to leave the café, I took a moment to reflect on how my life had evolved over the past few years. To my friends and the outside world, I was just a regular post-graduate student in finance. But behind that façade, I led a double life.
I had been working as an ethical hacker for the Crime Bureau, a role I'd taken on for the past two years. It was a world shrouded in secrecy—my colleagues, though appearing as ordinary employees in various companies like accountants, professors, and bank managers, were actually undercover agents working to protect our nation. We operated in the shadows, leveraging our skills to combat crime and ensure security.
My fascination with computers and coding had been the gateway into this secretive world. What started as a passion for technology had transformed into a commitment to serve my country. Ramkumar, a mentor and guide, had been instrumental in navigating me into this role. Under his guidance, I honed my skills and became part of this elite team, blending my love for technology with a profound sense of duty.
Ramkumar, who was around fifty years old, was the Commissioner of Police by day. His sharp intellect and strategic mind had earned him respect and authority. He was the one who had guided me into this covert world, using his deep connections and knowledge to steer our operations.
Our team was composed of dedicated professionals, each playing a crucial role. Nikhitha, Suresh, and Karthik were field agents. They worked on the ground, handling operations, gathering intelligence, and executing missions with precision. Their ability to blend into various environments and extract vital information made them indispensable.
Roy was another hacker on our team, much like me. His expertise complemented mine, allowing us to tackle complex cybersecurity challenges and break through encrypted barriers. His calm demeanor and technical prowess had earned him a solid reputation within our circle.
Together, we formed a formidable unit, each of us contributing our unique skills to ensure our country's safety. Balancing our dual lives—publicly appearing as ordinary citizens while secretly working to protect our nation—was a complex task, but it was a role I embraced with pride and dedication.
In our line of work, discretion was paramount. Our team operated mostly in the shadows, communicating through secure channels and only meeting face-to-face when absolutely necessary. We connected via calls, video conferences, and encrypted emails, each message and interaction carefully coded to maintain our secrecy.
We kept in touch frequently, sharing daily updates and catching up on each other's lives. Despite the secrecy of our roles, we had become close friends, relying on each other for support and camaraderie. Ramkumar, Nikhitha, Suresh, Karthik, and Roy were more than just colleagues—they were a tight-knit group who understood the pressures and challenges we faced.
We communicated through calls, texts, and emails, discussing everything from personal anecdotes to work-related tasks. Our friendships thrived outside of our covert operations, with frequent check-ins and casual conversations.
However, when it came to handling actual cases, we switched to a more structured system. Each color code carried its specific meaning
Red was reserved for emergency meetings. If we received a message with this code, it meant there was an urgent issue that required immediate attention and all hands on deck.
Blue indicated that help was needed. This could range from a request for backup in the field to needing additional support for a hacking operation.
White was used to signal that a situation was under control. It was our way of reporting that everything was proceeding as planned and there was no immediate concern.
Green meant that a mission had been successful. It was our way of confirming that a particular objective had been achieved without any issues.
Yellow was for when information was needed. This could involve requesting additional details or clarification on a particular matter.
Pink was the signal for a scheduled meeting at night, specifically at 11 PM, with the entire team. This was often used for strategic discussions or detailed briefings that required everyone's input.
For the past two years, this double life had been my reality. The world saw me as a dedicated student and a future finance professional, but only five others knew the full extent of my true role. Our lives were intricately bound by secrecy and duty, a pact reinforced by the confidential agreements we had all signed.
These agreements were more than just formalities; they were solemn oaths of confidentiality, binding us to keep our work and identities hidden until our final breaths. The stakes were high, and the nature of our missions required that no details be leaked to the outside world. Only those within our small circle—Ramkumar, Nikhitha, Suresh, Karthik, Roy, and myself—knew the truth.
Every interaction, every coded message, and every covert operation was conducted with the utmost discretion. We managed our clandestine activities with precision, knowing that even a single slip could jeopardize everything we had worked for. It was a challenging and demanding life, but one that I had embraced fully, understanding the gravity of our responsibilities and the importance of our mission.
In this world of shadows and secrecy, our bond was our greatest asset. We trusted each other implicitly, knowing that our shared commitment to our duties kept us united. This was the life I had chosen, a life of hidden roles and concealed truths, but one that I lived with purpose and pride.
As I closed my laptop and gathered my things, I glanced at my watch and realized it was already 8:00 PM. The evening had slipped away faster than I'd anticipated. Feeling a bit restless after the intense focus of the day, I decided to check in with my friends. I pulled out my phone and dialed Neha's number.
"Hey, Neha," I said when she picked up, trying to keep my tone light and casual.
"Hey, Devika!" Neha's voice was cheerful. "What's up?Done with the meeting.?"
"Yes, so I was wondering where you guys are. I could use a break from all this and was thinking of joining you."
"We're just taking a stroll around the campus," Neha replied. " We're heading towards the library gardens. It's a nice evening out, and we thought we'd enjoy some fresh air with some ice cream."
"That sounds perfect," I said, relieved to hear they were in a relaxed setting. "I'll meet you at the library gardens."
"Great! See you soon!" Neha hung up, and I quickly gathered my things, heading out of the café and into the cool evening air. The campus was bathed in the soft glow of street lamps, casting long shadows as students milled about.
As I approached the library gardens, I could see Neha, Ria, and Namratha chatting animatedly. They were enjoying the pleasant weather, their laughter carrying across the open space. I waved as I approached, and they spotted me immediately.
"There she is!" Ria called out with a grin.
Namratha smiled warmly. "Glad you could join us. It's a beautiful evening, and it's nice to just unwind."
We continued walking, the conversation flowing easily. Neha brought up plans for the upcoming weekend, suggesting a movie night at the campus lounge.
"What do you think?" Neha asked, looking at me expectantly. "Should we plan something fun, like a movie night or maybe a game evening?"
"I'm up for it," I replied. "A movie night sounds great. It'll be a nice change of pace."
Ria nodded in agreement. "Perfect. We can pick a movie and maybe have some popcorn and snacks."
As we walked and chatted, the worries of the day seemed to melt away. The simple pleasure of spending time with friends and enjoying the tranquility of the campus gardens was exactly what I needed. Even with my secret life and the complexities of my duties, moments like these reminded me of the importance of balancing work and personal life.
*****