The next morning, Rudra picked up his phone and dialed a number he hadn't called in months. On the other end, his cousin sister, Smitha, answered almost immediately, her voice brimming with excitement. "Brother! How are you? It's been so long since we talked. When are you coming to see me? " She exclaimed.
Rudra smiled faintly, recalling the bond they had formed over the years. Although their parents, Rohit and Sakshi, were distant cousins and rarely kept in touch, Rudra and Smitha had built a close sibling-like relationship. He had first met her during a family vacation when he was ten and she was just five. Since then, they'd made a pact to meet every year, alternating visits to each other's homes.
"I'll come during your summer vacation," Rudra replied warmly. "I'll make sure to clear my schedule. But you sounded like you needed help with something. What's going on?"
Smitha's tone shifted slightly, laced with anticipation. "Yes, brother. There's so much to talk about. I'll tell you everything when you're here. And bring your sense of humor—I'll need it!"
Rudra chuckled and agreed before ending the call. A soft smile lingered on his lips as he turned his attention to the file on his desk. His sharp eyes caught sight of Tracy's resume. A fresher, just 23 years old, yet her attached portfolio showcased exceptional talent. Among her designs was a striking sketch of a necklace that immediately captured his interest.
Her photo also stood out. She was undeniably beautiful, with coal-black hair, piercing blue eyes, and a gentle expression. Rudra couldn't help but compare her to his sister Smitha, who had always been the epitome of beauty in his eyes. But Tracy—there was something extraordinary about her.
"Nathan," Rudra called his trusted assistant. "Send this resume to the Talent Source HR team. See if she's interested in joining us."
Nathan hesitated. "Sir, shouldn't we ask her directly first? She might prefer staying in her current role."
Rudra waved his hand dismissively. "Then ask her on my behalf. Make sure she's comfortable with the opportunity."
Nathan followed Rudra's instructions, and Tracy, despite her initial reluctance, agreed. She needed stability to pay off family debts and decided to take the job. She joined the company as an assistant, eager to learn and determined to uncover secrets about her past—particularly her father.
Rudra's life was cloaked in secrecy. Once a decorated military officer, he had suffered a near-fatal injury while saving a subordinate during a mission. A dynamite explosion had left his legs partially paralyzed, confining him to a wheelchair for years. After intense therapy, he regained some mobility, but walking unaided was still a challenge.His physical scars were not the only ones he bore. The tragedy had eroded his confidence in public settings. He wore a mask to shield himself from judgment and curiosity, a facade that mirrored the emotional walls he had built around him. Despite his stoic exterior, he longed for someone who could see beyond the mask and accept him as he was.
That evening, Rudra decided to step out for his daily walk—a rare moment of solitude without the mask. Dressed in a simple green T-shirt, track pants, and a light coat, he ventured out into the cold Gujarat night. The streets were quiet, illuminated by a pale moonlight that softened the bustling city's edges.
Tracy, exhausted from her first day at work, had no energy to cook. Dressed in a pink T-shirt, a flowing long skirt, and a warm overcoat, she ventured out to find a nearby restaurant. As she walked down the dimly lit street, the cold breeze played with her long black hair, making her appearance ethereal under the moonlight.From a distance, Rudra spotted her. For a moment, the world seemed to stop. He had never seen anyone so breathtaking. Her presence was magnetic, her beauty amplified by her unassuming demeanor. Yet, a flicker of fear crossed his mind. What if she recognized him from the office?
Tracy noticed him too, her gaze lingering longer than she intended. There was something mysterious about the man in front of her—his fish-like eyes, his strong physique, and the way the moonlight accentuated his features. Despite his casual attire, he carried an aura of quiet intensity.
Gathering her courage, she approached him. "Excuse me, sir. Could you tell me if there's a restaurant nearby?" Rudra's heart raced. He quickly composed himself and replied, "Are you new here? I've never seen you around before." Tracy nodded. "Yes, I'm new. I've just started working at Talent Source."
Rudra's lips curled into a faint smile. "Welcome to the city. There's a nice place just a block away. My name is Rudra, by the way. And you?" "Tracy," she said, extending her hand.
Their eyes met again, and for a fleeting moment, everything else faded into the background. Rudra's guarded heart stirred, and Tracy felt an inexplicable pull toward the stranger before her. As Tracy walked away, Rudra stood frozen, watching her silhouette fade into the night. For the first time in years, he felt something shift within him. He didn't know whether it was admiration, curiosity, or something deeper.
Back at her apartment, Tracy reflected on the encounter. She couldn't shake the feeling that Rudra was more than he appeared to be. His calm demeanor, his subtle smile, and the way he carried himself despite his apparent discomfort intrigued her. She resolved to learn more about him, even as she focused on her primary goal of uncovering her own past.
Meanwhile, Rudra returned to his office, his mind restless. Tracy's presence had stirred emotions he had buried long ago. He couldn't help but wonder if she was the kind of person who could see beyond his mask—both literal and metaphorical.
As days turned into weeks, their paths continued to cross, each encounter peeling back layers of their guarded personalities. Rudra found himself drawn to her resilience and warmth, while Tracy saw glimpses of the man behind the mask, sensing a depth of pain and strength that mirrored her own struggles.
But shadows lingered on the horizon. Tracy's quest for answers about her father and Rudra's secrets threatened to collide, bringing with them revelations that could either bind them together or tear them apart.
Will Rudra's fears prevent him from embracing the connection he feels with Tracy? What truths will Tracy uncover about her father and Rudra's past? And what lies within the mysterious "Secret Cave" that both their fates seem tied to? Stay tuned for the next chapter of this unfolding tale.