The next day was a hectic mess. It seemed as if Ishar's luck had gone for a vacation.
Firstly, in the morning, he found that he had no toothpaste left. He had to ask the grumpy neighbor for some toothpaste, which he finally got after a 10 minute long death stare from the neighbor.
Then, he found out that the heater had broken its cord, and had to take the coldest shower of his life.
Halfway to the airport, after sitting in a taxi, Ishar realized that he had forgotten his wallet.
He was in a particularly bad mood by then and in his rush to get the wallet, he slipped on the stairs and hurt his knee.
Somehow composing himself and trying not to shout at a random piece of furniture, he grabbed his wallet, closed the door as gently as he could, and tried to calm down on the way to the airport.
He sat, reminiscing all the things that had happened until now, and couldn't help but wonder what had happened to the weird, oval shaped thingy. After all, it had been a week since they had found out about it. The honk of the taxi told him that they had arrived at the airport.
After paying and thanking the taxi driver, he was just about to get off when his phone began to ring. It was General Aarush Verma.
Ishar picked up the call, trying to hide the bubbling anxiety that appeared every time his boss called, and said in a careful tone, "Jai Hind sir. Is everything okay?"
"Jai Hind. Ishar, get over here right NOW. I'm expecting to see you here by noon. Your ticket has been sent to you. Have a safe flight."
The call was cut abruptly.
'So much for giving me an option', Ishar thought sarcastically.
Turning to his right, he saw Karan, Aniket, Gargi and Pratap, all waiting for him.
He ran towards them and said, "I'm sorry but I will have to come later. The General has called me, saying that there's something important going on. I promise I will reach out to you guys, Be sure to inform me if you find anything."
"It's okay", Pratap said.
"Tell us when you're coming." Gargi added.
"See you." Karan and Aniket said in union, like a chorus.
After separating Ishar a bit from others, Pratap said, "And don't forget to call me and tell me what happens. I'm your best friend, I have a right to know."
He winked charmingly at Ishar and left.
Ishar grinned and went ahead to board his flight. After 5 minutes, being comfortably seated, Ishar couldn't keep his hazardous anxiety from entering his consciousness. Though the answer wasn't precise, it wasn't exactly a good sign, when the head of the army called you for something that seemed important.
After all, in a soldier's dictionary, important was just another word for danger.
Ishar closed his eyes and leaned back against the seat. Maybe all he needed was a good nap, to calm his nerves.
2 hours later, he landed at the target airport. Two military cars, disguised as common Hondas, were awaiting his arrival. Soon, Ishar had reached the military facility and was rushed inside by some familiar people. The first thing that came to Ishar's mind when he reached the secret base, was the past and present contrast.
Unlike last time, this moment in the secret base was filled with some sort of hectic rush!
Scientists from ISRO and DRDO were talking and discussing something in formal but urgent voices. India's greatest army officers and researchers were together, collaborating on some unknown topics. The view was so familiar, that it actually worried Ishar. He had only seen a tense aura like this during the time of battle.
Someone called Aarush Verma, and soon, the General came into Ishar's line of view.
"Jai Hind, sir. What's going on here? Why is everyone in such a frantic buzz? Is there an attack going to happen? Is the national security of our country in danger?" Ishar questioned with anxiety.
"Jai Hind. Ishar, do you remember last week, when we had called you regarding the space object. Turns out, the object has traveled dangerously closer than ever. And that is not the only thing of worry. Come here." Aarush said, with a tone of tension.
"This object, CB-1 as we call it, has headed closer to Earth in the last week, than it has in the entire month- without any apparent cause. In fact, it's already interfering with our systems.
The real thing of importance is that no other country in the WORLD has detected CB-1 on its radar. We think that it might be a ploy, an attempt to attack India from space by our enemies."
"But who would do such a thing? No enemy we know has had such a weapon. It's impossible- we're monitoring them all." Ishar said.
"Exactly. That's why I'm putting together a special team to investigate and thoroughly research more about this object. I have known you since you were young, son, and I have seen the fire in your eyes to fight and protect our country.
You are a brilliant soldier, mentally capable as well. I would like you to be on this mission. You can ask others for help as well, if you want." Aarsush said, with a smile on his face.
Ishar's face glowed with pride and a patriotic sense of satisfaction.
"I would be honored sir," he replied, "Who else is there?"
"The groups are still coming together, but we have some final selected officers and researchers." Aarsuh answered.
"I would love to meet them. I'm sure that we can work harmoniously together, with no disagreements or powership-"
"Are you sure you can, my dearest friend? Good Morning, General, sir.", came a voice that had just joined the talk.
A voice that Ishar unfortunately knew too well. Ishar looked towards his right and hoped he was wrong.
However, luck seemed to have abandoned him too stubbornly that day.