Abhimanyu and Parvrez exchanged knowing glances, their expressions a mix of frustration and intrigue. The flamingo epidemic shattered Serpent's Peaks illusion, once a sleepy town where everyone knew each other's secrets.

"Agent Dogra is a force to be reckoned with," Aarya remarked, nodding at Naina. "She's relentless, sharp, and won't stop until she's brought this madness to an end. We need her help. Our kids are dying, and we're not going to stand by and let it happen."

Naina stepped forward, her gaze sweeping the room. "Thank you, DSP Sareen," she replied, her voice firm. "I've seen firsthand the destruction Flamingo can cause."

"Why are you here? Aren't there bigger fish to fry?" Parvrez questioned.

Naina leaned against the whiteboard, her fingers tracing a makeshift map. "Small towns are easy targets," she explained. "They're often overlooked, underestimated. But they're also tight-knit communities. Rumors spread like wildfire, and secrets don't stay hidden for long."

She pointed to the cluster of red pins. "These are overdose hotspots—places where young lives were cut short. We follow the trail and connect the dots to find the dealer and the supplier."

"What's our next step?" Abhimanyu inquired, fidgeting in his seat as Naina's gaze met his.

Leaning against the conference table, Naina's eyes swept over Abhimanyu and Parvrez. The air was thick with the scent of stale coffee and apprehension. She'd been through this countless times, but the tension never eased.

"Listen closely," Naina began, her voice low and unwavering. "What I'm about to reveal must remain within these walls. No exceptions. Is that clear?"

Parvrez shifted in his chair, his eyes flickering between Naina and his partner, SP Birla.

Abhimanyu leaned back, arms crossed, his skepticism plain on his face. "So, we're all on the same page here?"

Naina leaned in, her gaze fixed on Abhimanyu. "This isn't about teams. It's about survival. There might be a mole in the department. Someone high up who's leaking information. They know your every move, which explains why you haven't caught anyone yet. We're talking about life-or-death situations."

Parvrez scoffed. "And you think we're part of this?"

"DSP Sareen trusts you. That's why you're here," Naina said, her voice firm. "But this investigation must remain top secret. If anyone finds out, the mole will disappear, and we'll be left with nothing."

Abhimanyu leaned back, his face serious. "What's the plan?"

Naina sat up straight, her determination unwavering. "We keep this between us. No sharing details with anyone outside this room. We follow the leads and expose the mole if it exists. Until then, trust no one."

"This could backfire," Parvrez warns, his gaze fixed on Naina.

Naina nods. "Agreed. But let's be clear: secrets don't stay hidden forever. We need to make sure this one remains buried."

"So, what's the game plan?" Abhimanyu asks, his eyes meeting hers.

"We start by reaching out to the community: parents, teachers, anyone who might have a clue. We'll delve into local networks, follow any leads, and closely monitor things. Flamingo dealers leave behind clues—their patterns, their connections. We'll find them."

DSP Sareen approached Naina, her eyes heavy with exhaustion but filled with determination. "Do you think we can pull this off, Kasturi?" she asked.

Naina met her gaze, her voice firm. "We have no choice."

As the room fell silent, Naina couldn't shake the doubt creeping into her mind. Could she truly trust these people? For now, they were her allies, whether they liked it or not. And in the dangerous game they were playing, trust was the most valuable commodity.

"This is a suicide mission!" Abhimanyu exclaimed, his fist slamming on his desk so hard that the pencil cup tumbled to the floor.

Parvrez Hussain chuckled heartily. "She's an NCB agent. I'm sure she knows what she's in for."

Abhimanyu ran his fingers through his hair. "I mean, she's probably going undercover."

"Glad you're catching on, Abhimanyu." Aarya nodded towards Naina through his office window.

Abhimanyu followed Parvrez's gaze to see Agent Dogra in the hallway. She was scanning the crowd with sharp and observant eyes.

"She's going to the campus to check into Raftaar's dorm. We're hoping she can locate both the dealer and the supplier."

Abhimanyu folded his arms, his tie crushed beneath his muscular forearms. "She must be quite resourceful..."

"The NCB wouldn't have assigned her if they didn't trust her abilities." Aarya stepped out from behind her desk and approached the window. She pushed the blinds apart, tapping the glass to get Naina's attention.

"This is my only warning," Aarya said, her gaze intense. "You need to find a way to work together...you two are now her partners."

Naina sat in the rolling chair behind her new desk, a fresh assignment awaiting her on the empty surface. "I noticed you looking at me," she commented to the room. This was her second year working undercover, a routine that had taken her from big cities to small towns. She was still adjusting to being the newcomer on the team, constantly proving her worth.

Serpent's Peak looked familiar. Naina hadn't been here since she was a child. When she and Armaan were toddlers, her parents had left to work with Doctors Without Borders. They only returned for visits to her grandparents and Akshara maasi. Naina wasn't concerned about being recognized after all these years.

The Chief Minister had requested assistance from the Central government, which in turn had contacted the NCB.

Naina's hackles rose as she met her new partner's skeptical gaze. "You seem unsure," she challenged, her voice laced with defiance. "My boss wouldn't have assigned me if he didn't trust me completely." She pulled out a laptop from her bag and began to type.

Abhimanyu leaned back in his chair. "Have you ever worked undercover before?"

A smirk played on Naina's lips. "Seriously?"

"Yes, actually," he replied.

"I joined the NCB straight out of training and was immediately thrown into undercover work."

"You're evading my question," Abhimanyu accused, his gaze intense. "Undercover operations don't always go as planned."

Naina's frustration was evident. She rose, leaned over his desk, and met his eyes inches away. "Have you ever watched shows like The Family Man, She, Abhay, or Special Ops?"

Abhimanyu nodded, acknowledging her point.

"Over the last two years, I've assumed the identities of school and college students more times than I can count. Trust me, I'm a pro at what I do."

Using the alias, Kasturi Dogra, Naina parks her Jeep in the designated spot at Serpent's Peak Government College.

She turns off the ignition, leans back in her seat, and observes the commotion across the narrow road.

Beneath the windows of the women's dormitory, a group of young men are engrossed in a game of football.

The women, dressed in stylish ensembles from brands like FabIndia and Taneira, watch the match with interest. Their jeans, sourced from Raw Mango and Denim Foundry, add a touch of modern elegance.

Completing their outfits are bags from Nappa Dori, Ogaan, and Huemn, reflecting their discerning taste for luxury.

The parking lot was filled with an impressive array of high-end vehicles, rivaling any luxury brand showroom.

Naina shakes her head. Given the abundance of disposable income here, it's not surprising this college has a drug issue. She steps out of her car, noticing a group of boys playing football across the street.

Naina glances back at the boys engrossed in their game. A rather muscular guy collides with a taller player, who freezes momentarily, staring at her.

She winks at him, her eyes lingering on his athletic physique.

"Arre, Kartik, tu khel raha hai ki nahi?" someone shouts, breaking Kartik's concentration.

The moment is interrupted as Naina grabs her suitcase and starts loading it with boxes. With a glance at the traffic, she hurries across the street.

Suddenly, her foot catches on a raised sidewalk, causing her to stumble and drop her boxes.

"Oof!" Naina exclaimed, sitting up and rubbing her sore elbow. She looked up to see a towering figure standing over her.

The guy was a giant, easily six-four, his sweat-soaked jersey barely containing his bulging biceps. He extended a hand to help her up. "Are you alright?"

Naina brushes off her jeans, her cheeks reddening slightly. "Yeah, just a little flustered." She gestures towards the scattered boxes. "My stuff, though..."

"Let me lend a hand." He gathers the boxes and stacks them with surprising care. "I'm Ruhaan, by the way."

"Kasturi." She accepts the boxes, appreciating his help.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kasturi. Perhaps we'll cross paths again sometime..."

Naina returns his smile. "Maybe."

They arrive at her dorm, and Ruhaan holds the door open for her. "Need anything else?"

"Just my pride," Naina jokes as she drags her suitcase inside.

Ruhaan chuckles. "See you around, Kasturi."

"Goodbye," Naina said, watching him leave.

She crossed the plush red carpet, inhaling the familiar scent of perfume and laundry detergent. Naina smiled, shaking her head. At this stage in her NCB career, she had spent most of her time on college campuses and schools. After completing her training, she watched Mission Impossible. It wasn't difficult to watch and admire Tom Cruise.

Now, assuming the role of a student was second nature to her.

"Can I assist you?" An elderly woman glances up. Her hair, a pristine white, is neatly styled in a bob, and her eyes sparkle with a friendly light.

Naina retrieves a hefty manila envelope from the zipped compartment of her suitcase. "Yes, please. I'm Kasturi Dogra. I'm checking in today."

"Ah, Kasturi, I'm Mrs. Asthana, the manager of Raftaar Hall. I've been anticipating your arrival," Mrs. Asthana replies, her voice warm as she casually tosses a discarded paper cup into the bin. "Did you transfer from another college?" Her keen eyes appraise Naina's appearance, and she cranes her neck to take in her luggage.

"Yes. I'm from Mussoorie. I'm so happy you finally had an opening," Naina remarks as they enter the elevator.

The elevator hums, its metal walls enclosing her in a confined space. Naina stands next to Mrs. Asthana. As it ascends, she feels the subtle shift in gravity. The soft whir of machinery accompanies their ascent.

On the sixth floor, the elevator shudders, hesitating. The doors part with a soft chime, revealing the dimly lit hallway of the dormitory. Mrs. Asthana steps out first. She motions for Naina to follow her down the well-lit hallway. "Come this way, and I'll give you your key."

Naina trails behind, her bag thumping against her leg. "Raftaar Hall was refurbished two years ago," Mrs. Asthana mentions as she ushers Naina into the elevator and down the sixth-floor corridor. "There are a few guidelines: no blaring music past eleven. You're permitted a mini fridge, cooking pots, microwaves, and coffee pots. There's a comprehensive list in the handbook. I'm sure everyone has a coffee maker."

"Guilty as charged!" Naina confesses with a grin.

Mrs. Asthana chuckles, halting in front of room 621. "If I had my way, there'd be a curfew for men after 8 PM, but that's a tale for another time."

Naina's eyes widen in mock shock. "No guys?" She tries to contain a giggle.

"It's a matter of personal preference, Kasturi. Whether or not you choose to entertain a young man is entirely up to you," Mrs. Asthana states without a smile. She knocks on the door and waits for a response. "I believe I saw Chandni leave earlier." She unlocks the door and swings it open. "Here you are." The older woman places the key in Naina's outstretched hand and slowly walks away down the hallway.

Naina enters the room, taking a moment to survey her surroundings. Two twin beds, one draped in a light purple bedspread with gray plaid accent pillows, and the other adorned with white floral print pillows, flank the space. Based on the vision board filled with photographs, Naina determined the left side of the room was hers.

With a sigh, she unpacks her suitcase and sets up her desk. Having previously visited the town's bookstore, she fills the shelves with textbooks, further solidifying her fabricated identity as a student already enrolled at the college.

Every campus has its invisible students. Those who blend into the background, are often overlooked and forgotten. Kasturi Dogra is one of them...

Naina takes a moment to observe her roommate's side of the room. Everything is meticulously arranged and color-coded. A large collage of photographs dominates the wall above the bed. She approaches to examine them more closely.

In the center of the photo spread, three young girls, bundled up in coats and hats, pose for the camera. A vibrant Diwali celebration forms the backdrop. They appear to be around three or four years old. The girl in the middle, with dark skin, stands between a light-skinned girl and a girl with braided hair.

"Hello?" Naina hears a voice behind her, startled by her thoughts.

"Oh, hi!" she replies, caught off guard. "I'm Kasturi Dogra...your new roommate."

Chandni Sareen chuckles. "That's a relief. Otherwise, I might have had to call campus security to remove you from here." She offers her hand. "Nice to meet you."

Naina returns the handshake, a smile spreading across her face.

"I see you found my pictures. "I can't seem to shake them; they're as attached to me as a grandmother is to her old memories."

Chandni's bed creaks as she sits up, her phone still in hand. She glances at Naina, who has dropped her backpack with a thud. "My mother convinced my father to fire up the grill. You should come!"

Naina starts to unpack, her eyes still on the pictures. "Is he a grill master or something?" she asks, curious.

Chandni chuckles. "He thinks he's a big shot! But seriously, it'll be a blast. Our place has a huge backyard, and we'll get a chance to bond."

Naina pauses. "Why live in the dorm if you're local? It seems like a waste of money."

"I wanted the full college experience. I made a deal with Mom. I'd attend college here if I could live in the dorm," Chandni replies with a giddy smile. "Now, hurry up and get ready. The bathroom and showers are at the end of the hall. We'll head out when you're done."

"I want to unpack and organize my side of the room," Naina insists.

"Oh, come on," Chandni dismisses her. "We can do that later. I'll help."

"I don't want to be a burden."

"Nonsense! You're not."

Naina softens. "Well, if you're certain..."

"Absolutely! And don't worry about dressing up. Just come hungry."

Naina smiles despite herself. "I am hungry."

"That's more like it. There's a hot tub, too, if you have a swimsuit. If not, I have an extra one. My dad's a fantastic cook. His best friend always says he should open a restaurant. My mom is the DSP of Serpent's Peak. She'll be happy to meet my roommate, but don't be surprised if she gives you the third degree."

"That's not the best reason for me to come along..."

"It'll be a blast, I promise. And you never know..." Chandni winks. "Maybe Dad will finally share his secret barbecue sauce recipe."

The sun blazes overhead as they step into the vibrant backyard, where colorful streamers dance in the wind. The air is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling food and the joyful sounds of laughter. Chandni guides Naina through the lively crowd.

"Welcome to our little patch of mayhem!" Naina gestures toward the group, her voice filled with a playful warning. "Mind your step; there might be sprinklers lurking in there."

A chuckle escapes Naina's lips. "Chaos? That's practically my middle name. And sprinklers? Sounds like just the kind of surprise I'd expect."

Chandni chuckles. "You'll blend right in. See that guy over there tending the grill? That's my dad, convinced he's the barbecue master. Just nod and smile."

"Got it. And who's that guy tossing corn cobs around?"

"Oh, that's Manish. He's my dad's closest friend. He's a nice guy."

"Sounds good."

"I was starting to wonder when you'd get here," Aarya said, taking the baby from the woman's arms. "He's growing so fast," she cooed.

The woman laughed. "Babies don't stay little for long." She turned and did a double take when she saw the girl beside Aarya.

"This is Chandni's new roommate. Akshara and Parvez Hussain, meet Kasturi Dogra."

"Please, just call me Parvez," the police officer said, extending his hand.

Akshara nodded to the young woman. "Nice to meet you, Kasturi."

"It's my pleasure," Kasturi replies with a tentative smile. "Is this your baby?"

"His name is Ayush," Akshara says, taking the fussy baby from Aarya's arms. "Four months old and always hungry," she laughs as the baby starts to suck on his tiny fist.

"Why don't you take him inside and feed him?" Aarya suggests.

"Thank you," Akshara says, bouncing her son on her shoulder. She locks eyes with Naina for a moment before excusing herself and entering Aarya's house.

Naina politely inquired, "May I use your restroom?"

"Certainly. It's down the hallway to the left," Akshara replied.

"Thank you," Naina smiled and proceeded.

Naina entered the house and surveyed the surroundings. She found Akshara in the kitchen, closing the door behind her before joining her massi at the table.

Only after the baby was nursing contentedly did Akshara turn her attention to Naina.

"Take a seat," Akshara motions towards the opposite end of the couch. "Do you have a number I can reach you at, Kasturi?"

Naina plumps down on the couch and furrows her brow. "Yes, the new one is in my suitcase. I'll give it to you."

"What brings you here?" Akshara inquires, her gaze meeting Naina's.

"I just finished a job and was planning a surfing getaway in Bali. Nikhil called at the last minute with a new assignment. I made him pinky swear that I'd get my vacation after I complete this one."

"Serpent's Peak, Naina? Children have lost their lives here, including my tenants."

"I know, Akshara massi. That's why I'm here."

"What if someone recognizes you?"

"That's a risk I'm willing to take. The only times I've visited Serpent's Peak have been to see Nanu and Nani."

Akshara's brow furrows as she regards her niece. "I don't want you in the middle of this, Naina."

Naina's eyes harden. "I became involved the moment I started dating Samar."

"I'm not defending Samar, but he wouldn't want you harmed," Akshara insists.

Naina's gaze softens as she thinks of him. She sighs, her voice firm. "If I can help rid the streets of these criminals, I'll consider it my duty."