Code name: Ishq

Major Mayank Kashyap adjusted his tactical headset and surveyed the village of Tenzin from his elevated position behind a cluster of pine trees. The morning mist clung to the valley like a shroud, providing perfect cover for the joint operation between the Indian Army and the Narcotics Control Bureau. Four simultaneous raids were being conducted across different locations, each overseen by one of his team members, and he'd drawn the largest operation - a suspected opium processing facility hidden within what appeared to be an ordinary village compound.

"Control, this is Alpha. Visual confirmation on the target building. NCB team is in position and ready for breach," Mayank spoke into his radio, his voice carrying the calm authority that had earned him respect throughout the ranks.

"Copy, Alpha. Bravo, Charlie, Delta - status report," came the coordinated response.

Arjun's voice crackled through first. "Bravo here. All clear on the eastern approach. These bhenchods haven't even posted proper lookouts. This is going to be disappointingly easy."

Rohan followed immediately. "Charlie reporting. Western facility secured. Found more chemicals than a bloody college lab. Where's the excitement in this, yaar?"

Vikram's transmission came through with barely concealed boredom. "Delta in position. Raziya gundon mein fans gayi hai, I swear. I signed up to fight terrorists, not babysit government bureaucrats while they count bags of poppy seeds."

Despite the gravity of the situation, Mayank found himself suppressing a smile. His friends' irreverent commentary during tense operations had become as familiar as his own heartbeat over the years. It was their way of maintaining sanity in a profession where death lurked around every corner.

"Maintain radio discipline," he responded, though his tone carried more amusement than rebuke. "And Vikram, save the philosophical complaints for the mess hall."

"Sir, the NCB team leader is requesting permission to proceed," Havaldar Singh informed him, approaching with the characteristic silent steps of a seasoned soldier.

Mayank nodded and descended toward the village proper, where a cluster of nervous-looking NCB officials huddled near their vehicles. The operation had been requested by the Bureau after intelligence suggested significant drug manufacturing in the region, but they'd needed military oversight due to safety concerns and the remote location.

Inspector Malhotra, a thin man with wire-rimmed glasses who looked more suited to a library than a drug raid, approached him with visible relief. "Major Kashyap, we're ready to begin. The local villagers seem... agitated."

Mayank glanced toward the small crowd that had gathered at a respectful distance, their faces showing the mixture of curiosity and concern typical when government vehicles descended upon their peaceful community. Most were likely innocent - caught between the few who had turned to illegal activities and the authorities seeking to stop them.

"Leave the villagers to me," Mayank said, his voice carrying quiet confidence. "You focus on your evidence collection."

He walked toward the gathered locals, removing his tactical sunglasses and adopting the measured, respectful tone he'd learned was most effective in such situations. Several elderly men stepped forward, clearly the informal leaders of the community.

"Namaste, uncle," he addressed the eldest man, a weathered individual with kind eyes and worry lines etched deep around them. "I am Major Kashyap from the Indian Army. The NCB team with us today needs to conduct some official business in your village. They are under my protection, and I need you to understand that no harm will come to innocent people."

The old man's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Major saheb, we are simple people. We know nothing about any wrong activities."

"I believe you," Mayank replied sincerely. "Most of you are honest, hardworking villagers. But sometimes, a few people make choices that bring trouble to the whole community. Today, we're here to stop that trouble before it gets worse. Please keep your families inside and let the officials do their work. No one who has done nothing wrong has anything to fear."