Chapter 10: New Encounters
The months after Rudra's first meeting with Vikram Singh passed in a blur of quiet determination. He knew that while he was eager to push forward with his plans, he needed to be cautious. Acting too boldly would raise questions, and the last thing he needed was to draw unnecessary attention. For now, it was enough to absorb knowledge, to deepen his understanding of the fields that interested him, and to subtly align himself with the future he envisioned.
Rudra's days were filled with school, his studies, and moments of casual inquiry that belied the true depth of his curiosity. He continued to explore subjects that fascinated him—defense strategies, geopolitics, economics, and advanced technologies—but he did so with the patience of someone who knew that rushing could ruin everything. His questions to Karan remained carefully phrased, his late-night reading sessions were balanced with more typical childhood interests, and his bond with the Batra family grew stronger with each passing day.
One evening, as Rudra was finishing up his homework, Karan walked into the room with a letter in his hand. "Rudra," he said, his tone casual but with a hint of excitement, "Wing Commander Singh has invited us over for dinner this weekend."
Rudra looked up, masking his immediate interest with a polite smile. "That sounds nice, Uncle."
Karan smiled back, clearly pleased. "It will be a good opportunity for you to meet his family. Vikram's wife, Sneha, was a chopper pilot in the Army Aviation Corps before she retired. She's a remarkable woman, and I think you'll enjoy talking to her. And of course, you'll finally get to meet Aarav."
Rudra nodded, his mind already working through how to approach the evening. Meeting Vikram's wife, Sneha Singhania, could provide valuable insights into the military world, particularly in aviation—a field Rudra was deeply interested in. And then there was Aarav, Vikram's son. Establishing a bond with him could be crucial for the future, especially considering Aarav's potential career in the military.
The weekend arrived, and the Batra family made their way to the Singh residence. The house was a modest but well-kept colonial-style bungalow, with a garden that spoke of Sneha's love for plants and nature. As they entered, Vikram greeted them warmly, his handshake firm and his demeanor as commanding as ever.
"Welcome," he said, leading them into the living room where Sneha was waiting.
Sneha Singhania was a striking woman, with the kind of presence that immediately commanded respect. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and her eyes, though warm, had the sharpness of someone who had seen the world from the cockpit of a military helicopter and in her hand were her 10 months old daughter. She smiled as she welcomed the Batras, her gaze lingering on Rudra for a moment longer, perhaps sensing something more in him than just a curious child.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Rudra," she said, her voice clear and confident. "Vikram has told me about your interest in the armed forces."
Rudra returned her smile, careful to keep his excitement in check. "Thank you, Aunty. I'm very interested in learning more about it."
Sneha chuckled, exchanging a glance with Vikram. "Well, you're in the right place. Aarav should be down in a minute—he's been looking forward to meeting you."
As if on cue, Aarav appeared at the top of the staircase, bounding down with the energy of a boy who had been told about a new friend. He was tall for his age, with the same determined look as his father, though there was an air of youthful curiosity in his eyes.
"Hi, you must be Rudra," Aarav said, extending a hand. "I've heard a lot about you."
Rudra shook his hand, his grip firm, and smiled. "And I've heard a lot about you too, Aarav. I've been looking forward to this."
The evening unfolded with a pleasant mix of conversation and camaraderie. The adults spoke of old times, shared stories from their days in the service, and discussed current events with the kind of insight that only those with deep experience could provide. Rudra listened intently, absorbing every detail. Sneha's stories from her time in the Army Aviation Corps were particularly captivating. She spoke of the challenges of flying in difficult conditions, the camaraderie among pilots, and the critical decisions that had to be made in the heat of the moment.
Rudra listened intently, absorbing every detail. He asked a few questions here and there, his curiosity evident.Sneha, noticing Rudra's keen interest, spoke up. "Rudra, you seem very interested in the military. How would you like to visit an Army museum that has recently opened? I'm planning to take Aarav there this weekend."
Rudra found himself fascinated by her accounts, and he asked her questions that were both thoughtful and curious, careful to frame them as a child might. Sneha seemed impressed by his interest and depth of understanding, and she shared more than a few details that Rudra filed away in his mind for future reference.
Rudra looked towards Karan and Kiran for approval, knowing he needed their permission. Kiran smiled and said, "Of course, Rudra can go. In fact, we should bring Kartik along too. All three boys can enjoy the trip together."Both Vikram and Karan mentioned that they couldn't join due to various commitments, leaving it to Sneha and Kiran to take the children. The decision was made, and Rudra couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. This outing would not only allow him to bond further with Aarav but also provide him with more insights into the military—something that would be invaluable for his long-term plans.