Chapter 143 - A Match Made In Heaven

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Happy New Year to everyone 🐲🎊🎉🎇🥂

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“I, too, believe that Shehnaaz is a normal human being, and not some Frankenstein monster,” Reva said
humorously as she placed the bone china teacup in her hand on the coffee table. “What we’re really interested in is her background, her origins. General Rawat, General Shukla, I hope you haven’t forgotten what we found in the backpack she was carrying when we first found her. Those documents and
charts have proved to be extremely valuable.”

Sidharth did not reply.

General Rawat nodded. “We only achieved our breakthrough with the engine for the Gray Shadow supersonic fighter jet because of those documents.”

The Imperial fighter jets would still be running on sub-par engines, if it had not been for Shehnaaz and her backpack.

“Exactly. Our intel tells us that we beat the United States to the punch—they’re still trying to develop their version of our engine.” It was clear that Reva’s words were directed to Sidharth. “So Mr. Shukla, in light of all that, do you still want to be rid of Sana? Do you still think she’s a burden
to you?”

General Rawat sat up straight on the sofa. He was old, but his majestic, domineering aura had not decreased over the years. He patted Sidharth on the shoulder and said solemnly, “Sidharth, this task was assigned to you by the state and the military. I know it hasn’t been easy for you, having to play nanny and raise a little girl on your own, but Reva is right. We’re interested in her background, her origins, and not who she is, as a person. You cannot abandon your duty, not before we find out where she’s from. This is an order. Understood?”

Sidharth nodded. “I won’t abandon my duty, but I still think it isn’t right for us to pin all our military R&D hopes on her. We have to do it the hard way, make our own breakthroughs. Sana has given us a significant leg up with her documents, but we shouldn’t expect anything more from her. I’ll try to find her family, of course, but not
because I think it would benefit us. I want her to be reunited with her family—she may have lost her memories, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t miss her family.”

Reva laughed out loud. “Oh dear, has the ruthless General Shukla grown soft? I’ve said this before, but Shehnaaz is your mission, your target. She’s not your friend, and definitely not your family. Mr. Shukla, you’re too
emotionally invested in your target, and that can be dangerous. You shouldn’t do that.”

“Colonel Reddy, I don’t think it’s up to you to decide what I should or shouldn’t be doing,” Sidharth said
impassively. Reva’s words had not affected him in the slightest. “You’re out of line.”

Reva felt a surge of resentment, but she quickly realized that Sidharth was right: she had been out of line, and deserved the scathing rebuke. She hastily got to her feet and saluted him.

“General Shukla, please forgive me, I
spoke out of turn. I will accept whatever punishment you think is appropriate.”

General Rawat waved at Reva. “Sit down, sit down. We’re just having a casual conversation here. Sidharth, Reva isn’t being unreasonable. Don’t forget, you’re a major general, working for the India. Every action you take has serious consequences. Of course, I have absolute faith in you. I know you’re not the type to be reckless.”

Reva sat down uneasily. She watched Sidharth’s face carefully as she said in a subdued voice: “…Mr. Shukla, I didn’t mean to be disrespectful. I only want what’s best for the military, and I understand your concern for Shehnaaz. Once she’s of age, she’ll get a boyfriend, get married, and have children. As long as she stays within the India, I don’t think there’ll be a problem.”

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