Chapter 22: The Unexpected Turn. The Sci-Fi Horror Action Thriller Web Novel 'The Reason' by Abrar Nayeem Chowdhury

Chapter 22: The Unexpected Turn.

The air was thick with tension at the blockade as Ria braced against Major Pratap's antagonistic stance. His refusal to cooperate with the U.S. Army hung over the scene like a storm cloud, threatening to unleash chaos at any moment. Ria felt a growing frustration welling within her, not only at Pratap’s rigid stance but at the very real dangers of letting Singh’s operations continue unchallenged.

“Pratap, we are wasting valuable time!” she implored, stepping closer to him, her voice laced with urgency. “We need to act now, not later. Do you really think you can handle this alone?”

“The Indian Armed Forces do not need assistance from you or anyone else,” Pratap retorted, his jaw hardening in defiance. “You are to remain in a supporting role—”

Before he could finish, his phone vibrated aggressively against his hip, cutting through the tension like a knife. He pulled it out with a scowl, glancing at the screen. His face transformed as he responded, the authoritative voice from the other end, presumably from an army major or perhaps even the Army Chief himself, who had an unmistakable tone of command.

“Understood, sir,” Pratap said, the defiance in his posture wavering ever so slightly. “Yes, I will comply. No, they will not be treated as enemies.” He ended the call with a jaw-clenching determination, his eyes narrowing at Ria. “This changes nothing! I have to bring them to headquarters, so we can discuss the next steps regarding Singh.”

“Fine. Just know that we are on the same side now,” Ria replied, fists clenched at her sides, the tension between them still electric.

As Pratap gestured for everyone to follow him, they piled into the remaining vehicles, tensions tangling with anticipation. Two U.S. Army officers flanked Ria as they made their way to a nearby base with fortified gates, their armored trucks rumbling down the driveway and stopping just outside a sprawling complex.

The Indian Armed Forces headquarters was imposing, adorned with authoritative symbols. Officers stood saluting and awaiting their arrival, deep in strict protocols and duty-bound processes. Major Pratap led the way, the weight of command heavy on his shoulders as they entered the main building.

“Stay sharp,” he commanded, eyeing the U.S. officers with a mix of wariness and begrudging respect. “We need to show unity in these proceedings.”

Inside, they were greeted by an array of higher-ranking officials—the Army Chief himself among them, flanked by stern-faced high-ranking officers. The atmosphere shifted palpably as everyone made the shift from sketchy hostilities to cooperative strategizing.

“Thank you for arriving on such short notice,” the Chief said, addressing both Ria and the U.S. duo. “We are in a delicate position, and I appreciate your commitment.”

Together, they moved into a large conference room where map projections and strategic layouts adorned the walls. They took their seats at the long mahogany table, the air buzzing with purpose.

“Here’s the situation,” the chief began, pointing to a sprawling map detailing the streets of the city, focusing on areas surrounding Singh’s rumored residence. “Our intelligence has led us to believe Singh resides somewhere in this vicinity, but we lack confirmation.” 

“Intelligence can be wrong,” the bluntness of one officer chimed in. “We can’t just storm in without knowing—”

“We need to gain access,” Ria interjected, her eyes flashing with renewed determination. “If we can find a way to infiltrate his residence, we could uncover the information we need.”

After murmured discussions, it was suggested they send Ria as a maid—a role that could allow her access. Pratap visibly hesitated, shaking his head at the absurdity of the plan.

“I don’t believe this is wise,” he protested. “How can we trust she won’t be recognized?”

“Frankly, it’s our best shot,” interrupted a navy officer, folding his hands. “We need every advantage we can get. And Ria can pull it off if we make her look the part.”

Pratap relented, though reluctantly, as the plan was laid out. Ria would wear a traditional saree to fit the cultural setting around Singh’s neighborhood, sexy and intimate to mask her true intent as an agent.

Later, as she prepared in a dimly lit changing room, she slipped into a fitted saree that hugged her curves and left her navel exposed, both bold and enticing. Ria’s reflection flickered back at her, a haunting reminder of the masquerade. She felt a mix of empowerment and vulnerability as she wrapped her hair in a neat braid and applied a touch of makeup.

Once ready, the team supplied her with a small device to communicate, ensuring clear lines to the command center. The time for plans was over; anticipation hummed in the air as Ria finally headed out.

Accompanied by a couple of officers who were part of the plan’s deployment team, Ria arrived at Singh’s house, a grand yet foreboding structure hidden behind high walls. Thumping her heart echoed in her ears as she approached the entrance, nerves tightening her chest.

She knocked, and after a few moments, the door creaked open. A man, tall and wiry, appeared, squinting at her as if trying to assess her worth. His gaze raked over her, hesitating at her exposed midriff before settling on her eyes.

“Yes?” he asked, his tone skeptical.

“I am looking for work as a maid,” Ria said, trying to convey innocence and eagerness. “Do you need any help around the house?”

The man regarded her for a moment, contemplating, then turned and called back into the deep shadows of the house. “Hey! Someone’s here looking for a job! Go see if the boss needs an extra pair of hands!”

Ria held her breath while the man disappeared inside, her heart racing at the thought of what might come next. Moments later, he returned and beckoned her inside without another word. “Go upstairs. The boss is up there.”

Swallowing her trepidation, Ria nodded and followed cautiously as she ascended the staircase. The upper floor was vast, dimly lit, with plush carpets and elegant décor – a stark contrast to the chaos outside. Ornate paintings lined the walls; heavy draping subdued the natural light filtering through the windows.

As she crossed the threshold of a door-like elevator that opened to a lavish bedroom, she was momentarily taken aback by the ambiance. The room was a blend of luxury and power, decorated with inviting yet intimidating allure. 

Then, in the corner, a young, good-looking man lounged casually in an easy chair, his expression relaxed yet observant. He exuded confidence and charm, glancing at Ria with an intensity that made her skin prickle.

With her heart racing, she stepped inside and closed the door behind her. The man’s gaze traveled from her face and paused at her exposed navel, lingering for a moment before he spoke. “And who might you be?” 

“I’m here as a maid,” Ria replied, feigning nonchalance, grounding herself even as she felt the air thicken with tension. “What’s your name?” 

He paused, considering her question as though it held great significance. “Sonu,” he finally answered, a faint smirk creeping across his lips. Ria raised an eyebrow at the simplicity of his response, his demeanor raising her suspicions. 

“Really? Just Sonu?” she probed, skepticism lacing her tone. She could sense the underlying deception, an air of pretense swirling around him. 

He leaned forward, eyes never leaving her, as if assessing how best to play the game. “It’s a good name, don’t you think?” 

Their eyes locked, and in that electrifying moment, Ria sensed a deeper intrigue at play—a wariness that matched her own, the struggle against trust and suspicion painting the atmosphere.

“Why do you need a maid?” Ria ventured, eyes darting around the room, cautiously observing her surroundings. 

Sonu chuckled lightly, leaning back in his chair. “You’ll find out soon enough, maybe,” he teased, an enigmatic smile on his lips. “But first, why don’t you tell me what you can do?”

Ria steeled herself, ready to delve deeper into the guise she had assumed. The plan had begun, and somewhere in this dance of truths and half-truths, she would uncover what she needed to understand Singh’s dark intentions. 

TO BE CONTINUED....

Chapters (19-21): https://storylinespectrum.blogspot.com/2025/03/chapters-19-20-and-21-sci-fi-horror.html

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