The night slipped into dawn, and after a good sleep from noon to the early hours, the family began to stir awake. The cool village air carried a calmness that belied the chaos of the outside world.
Rajan stood on the terrace, staring out at the vast fields bathed in the soft light of morning. His mind wandered through memories of the village. Soon, Rajesh joined him, stepping quietly onto the terrace.
"You're always here, huh?" Rajesh said, leaning against the railing. "Twenty years, and it still feels like nothing has changed. But you, Rajan, you've taken a journey that's come full circle."
Rajan smiled faintly. "Seven years in this village before moving to Uroma Society in Ashtaam City, then to Lavina City. Four years there... and now I'm back here, just as things begin to crumble."
Rajesh nodded, his gaze distant. "Funny how life works, isn't it? We chase progress, only to return to where it all began. But this place—it's ours. If it must be where we make a stand, so be it."
They shared a moment of silence, watching the sun rise higher, the golden light painting the land they both held dear.
---
Meanwhile, upstairs, the cousins had assembled in the dusty room, their minds buzzing with ideas and plans. If war was coming, they wouldn't just sit idle—they needed to prepare.
Aarav stood by the window, gesturing animatedly. "We need to focus on engineering essentials. If we're going to survive, we'll need mechanisms for clean water, power, and basic repairs. A hand pump could work, but I've got a few ideas for a filtration system. We'll also need to reinforce the bunker. Iron rods and some of that scrap metal from the old forge could be welded together to strengthen the walls."
Isha sat cross-legged on a mattress, taking notes in an old notebook she'd found. "That's good, but survival isn't just about materials. We need a kit with essentials—bandages, antiseptics, non-perishable food, and tools. And remember, psychology plays a big role in survival. People panic in these situations, and we'll need to keep our heads. If we lose focus, it's over."
Kunal leaned against the mirror, arms crossed. "A bunker alone won't cut it. We need to expand it, make it livable for longer periods. The ventilation needs to be better, and we should map out potential exits. If one entrance gets blocked, we'll need alternatives."
Anika, sitting near the pile of mattresses, spoke up hesitantly. "I don't know much about all that, but... I want to help. If there's something I can do, like carrying supplies or helping organize things, count me in."
The group looked at her, a mixture of pride and concern in their eyes.
Raghav sat quietly in the corner, leaning back against the wall. His sharp eyes scanned the room as he listened to everyone. He didn't say a word, letting the others voice their thoughts and take charge. While he had his own plans forming, this wasn't the time to share them.
Aarav noticed Raghav's silence and smirked. "Still sitting there, huh? Listening to everything, aren't you? Don't think we don't see you taking mental notes."
Raghav shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I'm just enjoying the show," he said, his tone light, though his mind was far from it.
The cousins continued brainstorming, their voices a mix of determination and cautious optimism. Even in the shadow of war, they found strength in each other. Together, they would face whatever came their way.
Rajesh entered the room with a burst of energy, his booming voice capturing everyone's attention. "Children! We're here, and now it's time to get to work. Let's head to the bunker we built."
Amit, standing beside him, chimed in with enthusiasm, "Yes, boys and girls, we need to go there and assess what needs to be done. We've got a lot to prepare."
Then, as if dropping a bombshell, Amit added, "And here's the big news—you only have three days to do everything."
"What? Seriously?" Isha exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Rajesh nodded firmly. "Yes, just three days. That's all the time we've got before the Cingang situation potentially escalates into full-blown war. Everything must be ready before then. Let's not waste a second—let's go!"
---
The group gathered near the house's rear, where Rajan led the way to the hidden entrance of the bunker. He gestured to a heavy tile in the bathroom floor. "This," he said, "is the key to our safety."
With some effort, they removed the thick tile, revealing a concealed pathway. The family members stared in awe.
Descending the path, they encountered the first gate. Rajan explained, "This is made of a titanium-steel alloy: 60% titanium, 40% steel. It's not too thick but incredibly hard—designed to withstand significant impact."
They passed through the gate and walked down a short 10-meter corridor. At the end, they faced another gate.
"This one," Rajan said, pointing to the sturdy door, "is even tougher. It's crafted from an alloy of 60% titanium, 20% chromium, and 20% vanadium. It's thicker but lighter and far stronger."
He pushed the gate open to reveal a spacious hall, roughly 8 meters by 10 meters, its walls lined with support beams. The family stepped inside, marveling at the construction.
The bunker was divided into several sections:
The Main Hall: A central area supported by thick pillars at each corner and one massive pillar at the center.
The Kitchen: Small but functional, with space for basic cooking needs.
The Bathroom and Toilets: Two toilets and one bathroom, modest yet sufficient.
The Storage Room: A medium-sized area, currently empty but meant to hold supplies essential for survival.
The Working Area: A place for repairs and engineering work.
The Sleeping Quarters: A room filled with eight sturdy beds, enough for everyone to rest comfortably.
One section, however, remained incomplete. It was an unexcavated area filled with tools and equipment but no structure.
"This," Rajan said, pointing to the unfinished space, "is where expansion is possible. If needed, we can dig further and add more rooms or features."
Isha examined the storage room and frowned. "It's empty," she muttered. "We need to stock up—water, food, medical supplies, and tools. Everything necessary for survival."
Aarav nodded, already lost in thought. "We also need to ensure the water supply system is working, improve ventilation, and double-check the structure for any weak points."
Kunal looked around and added, "And we'll need to make this place feel livable. Three days is a tight timeline, but we can do it."
Raghav stood silently, observing. His eyes darted between the different sections of the bunker, taking everything in. Though he didn't say much, it was clear he was analyzing the situation.
"Let's divide the tasks," Rajesh said, clapping his hands together. "Everyone has a role to play. Remember, this bunker is our lifeline, and we've only got three days to make it perfect."
With a renewed sense of urgency, the family began their preparations, ready to transform the bunker into a fortress of survival.
As Raghav stood in the bunker, silently observing its structure, Aarav approached him with a teasing smile. "So, little brother, I see your game is unfolding perfectly. You thought about all of this long before we even considered it, didn't you?"
Raghav gave a faint nod, masking the storm of thoughts in his mind.
This bunker... it's just as I envisioned it, Raghav thought. But this is only the beginning. Now, the real game begins. I, the youngest son of the Rajput family, will ensure that Himsuta survives this war—more than any other country. My family, my subordinates... I will protect them at all costs. Neither Chasmis nor Isamia will stand in my way. If it comes down to it, I'll wipe out anything that poses a threat.
A surge of adrenaline coursed through him, and for a moment, he let out a laugh—a dark, almost psychotic laugh that echoed through the bunker.
Everyone turned to look at him, startled. Raghav quickly straightened, his face returning to its usual calm, serious expression. The moment of embarrassment passed, but his resolve only strengthened.
---
As the night crept closer, preparations for survival intensified. Aarav, Raghav, and Amit volunteered to gather the remaining supplies from nearby shops. Each carried a large strapped bag, prepared for their respective tasks.
"Alright," Amit said as they stood at the gate. "We've got three days, but no time to waste. Let's split up and get this done efficiently."
The Missions
Amit: Equipped with his car, Amit headed out to gather imperishable food supplies, water, and other drinks. His task was straightforward—ensure the family would not face hunger or dehydration, no matter how long they stayed in the bunker.
Aarav: With a list in hand, Aarav took responsibility for tools and electronics. From batteries to wiring equipment, he aimed to secure everything necessary for maintaining and repairing the bunker's systems.
Raghav: Raghav, always strategic, took on the most sensitive task. He ventured into the city to acquire medical supplies: pain relievers, nutritional tablets, antibiotics, sleeping aids, and first-aid essentials. But he also had another plan.
---
While searching for supplies, Raghav made his way to a quieter part of the city, where he planned to meet Anuman, an old friend from Ashtaam City. Raghav's mind churned with calculations. Anuman can be a valuable ally if things go south. I'll need his resources and connections when the time comes.
As each cousin moved through their tasks, the streets of Lavina carried a tense undercurrent. The threat of war loomed in every shadow, and the Rajput family knew they were racing against time.
By the end of the night, all three would return, their bags heavier and their minds burdened with the reality of what lay ahead. The bunker wasn't just a shelter—it was the foundation of their survival, and they would stop at nothing to ensure its readiness.
Anuman stood beneath the shade of a large tree, scanning the surroundings as he waited for Raghav. The moment he spotted his friend, he called out, "You're late!"
Raghav, unbothered, motioned towards a car parked nearby. "There's no time to talk here. Get in the backseat, and we'll talk while we're on the move."
Without hesitation, Anuman climbed in, and the car sped off toward their destination—a dairy facility located on the outskirts of the city.
---
As the car cruised through the dimly lit streets, Anuman leaned forward. "Why are we heading to the dairy? It's not like we're going to stock up on milk for the bunker."
Raghav, his focus unwavering, replied, "There's something I need to mark on this map." He unfolded a hand-drawn map of the city, detailing key locations.
"Mark something?" Anuman raised an eyebrow. "What's the point of this?"
"Think about it," Raghav said. "If the war breaks out, people will swarm to places like dairies, vegetable markets, metal suppliers, and big malls. These are the first places that'll be stripped clean. It's basic survival instinct. I need to get ahead of the rush and document these places while they're still functional. If needed, I'll plan alternate supply routes."
Anuman looked skeptical but nodded. "So, what exactly are we doing at these places?"
Raghav smirked. "Simple. We're observing and taking note of everything. We'll roam around or inside these locations, mark their layouts, and figure out what resources they hold. Now, focus. We're almost at the dairy."
---
As the car pulled up to the dairy, Raghav handed Anuman a small camera. "You take the left side of the facility and photograph every corner. Don't miss anything. I'll handle the right side. Work fast—we don't have much time."
The two split up, moving swiftly and efficiently through the dairy. Raghav's mind worked like a machine, cataloging exits, storage areas, and potential vulnerabilities in the building.
This wasn't just about survival—it was about strategy. Raghav wasn't preparing for the immediate future; he was laying the groundwork for what might come next. Every step, every observation, was a piece of the larger puzzle he was piecing together in his mind.
---
As they regrouped at the car, Anuman handed back the camera. "Alright, I got it. What's next?"
"The vegetable market, the iron and metal market, the wood suppliers, and a few big malls," Raghav said, starting the engine. "We'll move fast. There's no time to waste."
Anuman sighed but couldn't help but admire Raghav's determination. "You know, you think way too far ahead for someone your age."
Raghav glanced at him with a faint smile. "It's not about age, Anuman. It's about staying a step ahead of everyone else."
The car sped off into the night, carrying with it two young men driven by the looming shadow of war.
The night air carried a slight chill as Raghav and Anuman approached the Bonica Mall in Kanima City. This was the final location on their list, a massive structure filled with supplies they might need to ensure survival. Raghav's focus remained sharp, while Anuman trailed behind, clearly fatigued but determined to finish their task.
As they stepped inside the brightly lit mall, the contrast between the outside's stillness and the bustling interior was stark. People moved about, oblivious to the storm of war brewing on the horizon.
Raghav assigned Anuman a section of the mall. "You take the west wing and look for anything that could be useful for storage—containers, insulated boxes, anything like that. Be thorough."
Anuman nodded and went his way, scanning the aisles with a professional gaze. But as he passed the juice section, he felt an unmistakable, almost nostalgic presence. The familiar feeling made him stop in his tracks.
Turning around, he spotted two women at the counter, holding bottles of fruit juice. His heart skipped a beat.
One of them, Pritika, noticed him first. Her eyes widened in recognition. "Oh my God, Anuman!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and joy. "I didn't expect to see you here in Kanima City! How are you?"
Anuman, caught off guard, stammered, "K-Pritika... Vartika... What are you two doing here? I mean, uh, it's late... dangerous to be out at this hour."
Pritika, the younger sister, gave him a skeptical look. "We live in Kanima City. Why wouldn't we be here? The real question is, why are you here? You don't even live nearby. And why do you look like you've seen a ghost?"
Anuman forced a nervous laugh. "Oh, that! I'm just a bit surprised, that's all. I wasn't expecting—"
Before he could finish, Raghav's voice cut through the air. "Ooii! What are you doing?"
Raghav strode toward him, his expression a mix of irritation and curiosity. "We have work to do, Anuman! Who are you even talking to—"
His words trailed off as his eyes landed on the two women. For a brief moment, there was silence, followed by a simultaneous outburst from both Raghav and Kritika.
"What the f**k are you doing here?" they yelled in unison, their voices echoing across the mall.
Anuman blinked, utterly confused. "Wait... you two know each other?"
Neither Raghav nor Pritika answered him. Their intense glares at each other were filled with a mix of surprise, frustration, and something deeper—something neither wanted to acknowledge in front of the others.
The tension hung in the air, thick and unyielding, as if the world itself had paused to witness this encounter.
Raghav's mind raced. What is she doing here? This changes everything...
Pritika's thoughts mirrored his. Why him? Why now? This can't be happening...
The night had taken a turn neither of them could have predicted, and the consequences of this meeting were bound to ripple through their plans like a stone dropped into a still pond.
To be continued...