The air in Trivandrum felt heavy with the monsoon clouds lingering above, casting shadows over the bustling city. The familiar streets of the capital seemed different to Aryan as he drove toward the Kerala Police Headquarters. His mind wandered to memories of his father, ACP Rajan Menon, whose footsteps he now seemed destined to follow.
In the passenger seat, Smith was unusually quiet, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. Timmy flew high above the car, a silent guardian in the skies, while Jimmy lay sprawled in the back seat, his large frame almost filling the entire space. Aryan couldn't help but chuckle as he glanced at his loyal companion. "I might need to get a bigger car soon."
Smith smirked. "At this rate, you'll need a truck. Jimmy's going to take over the entire backseat by next month."
Aryan shook his head but his attention quickly shifted as the large, imposing structure of the Kerala Police Headquarters loomed ahead. The building's stone facade stood as a testament to decades of law enforcement, an institution that had shaped his father's life and now his own.
As they parked near the entrance, Aryan adjusted his collar. His mother had insisted he wear formal attire, and though he preferred the comfort of his usual clothes, he understood the importance of the occasion. He was about to meet one of the most influential men in the force—DGP Aravind Nair.
"You got this," Smith said, clapping Aryan on the shoulder. "Remember, you're first rank. They should be the nervous ones."
Aryan laughed lightly, appreciating the encouragement. "I'll see you in a bit."
Smith leaned back against the car, crossing his arms. "I'll be right here. Don't keep me waiting too long. I need details."
Aryan nodded before stepping through the heavy glass doors of the building. The cool air inside greeted him as he approached the reception desk. The officer on duty glanced up and, recognizing his name, gestured toward the upper floors. "The DGP is expecting you, Mr. Menon. Go right ahead."
The elevator ride felt longer than it should have, the hum of the machinery echoing Aryan's racing thoughts. When the doors opened, he found himself in a sleek corridor lined with plaques and framed photographs of officers past and present. The nameplate at the far end of the hallway read Director General of Police - Aravind Nair.
Taking a deep breath, Aryan knocked twice and stepped inside. The office was spacious but simple, lined with bookshelves and large windows that overlooked the cityscape. Behind the desk sat Aravind Nair, a tall, broad-shouldered man with graying hair and piercing eyes that immediately reminded Aryan of his father.
"Ah, Aryan." Aravind rose from his seat, his expression warm. "Come in, sit down."
Aryan took a seat across from the desk, feeling the weight of the moment settle over him.
"You have your father's presence," Aravind said, observing him closely. "It's good to see you stepping into this path. Rajan would've been proud."
"Thank you, sir," Aryan replied sincerely. "It means a lot coming from you."
Aravind leaned back in his chair, fingers interlocked. "I followed your progress closely, Aryan. First rank… impressive. But rankings aside, it's the man behind the score that matters. Tell me, why did you choose to follow in Rajan's footsteps?"
Aryan hesitated for a moment, then spoke carefully. "My father always believed in justice, in doing the right thing even when it was difficult. He taught me that serving the people isn't just a career—it's a duty. I want to honor that legacy."
Aravind's gaze softened. "Rajan and I served together for many years. He was one of the most honest and courageous men I knew. But this path isn't easy, Aryan. You will face corruption, politics, and dangers that may not always wear a uniform."
Aryan nodded. "I understand. But I believe I'm ready."
A faint smile crossed Aravind's lips. "Good. Keep that fire alive. We need officers like you."
For the next half-hour, Aravind shared stories about Aryan's father, some lighthearted, others revealing the harsh realities of the force. Aryan listened intently, feeling more connected to his father's past with every word.
As the meeting concluded, Aravind stood and extended his hand. "I expect great things from you, Aryan. The force will be stronger with you in it. And remember, I'm always here if you need guidance."
Aryan shook his hand firmly. "Thank you, sir. I won't let you down."
Leaving the office, Aryan felt lighter, as though a part of the burden he carried had shifted. As he stepped into the corridor, a figure approached from the opposite end—a woman in her late twenties, dressed in full police uniform, her gaze sharp and calculating.
"Aryan Menon," she called out with a faint smile. "Long time no see."
Aryan's eyes lit up as he recognized her. "Inspector Divya Nair. I didn't know you transferred here."
Divya nodded. "Just a week ago. Couldn't stay away from the action."
"Well, it's good to see you again. Congratulations, by the way," Divya said with a slight smile. "First rank. That's not something you see every day."
Aryan grinned modestly. "Thank you. Couldn't have done it without the support."
Divya crossed her arms. "How's the follow-up on that case we handled in Kottayam?" Aryan's tone shifted, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
Divya's expression darkened slightly. "The case stalled. Political interference. The suspects slipped through our fingers."
Aryan sighed. "I was afraid of that. Some things never change."
"But that doesn't mean we give up," Divya added firmly. "There will be other opportunities."
Aryan nodded in agreement. "We'll get them eventually."
As Aryan stepped outside the building, Smith was already waiting by the car. "So? How was it?"
Aryan leaned against the hood, crossing his arms. "Good. Aravind spoke a lot about my father. It felt… grounding."
Smith nodded. "And what about that officer you were talking to?"
"Inspector Divya Nair. We worked together in Kottayam."
Smith grinned. "Ah, I see. Rival material?"
Aryan laughed. "Maybe. Or ally. Time will tell."
Timmy landed gracefully nearby, his feathers glowing faintly in the evening light. Jimmy padded over and nudged Aryan's leg gently, sensing his calmness.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Aryan knew one thing for certain—his journey was only just beginning.