Mowmita’s fast-paced romantic thriller, for Different Truths, follows an archaeologist and a RAW agent as they recover a stolen Indian relic in San Francisco.
San Francisco had always been a city of whispering nights and watchful streets — but on 29th December, it felt different, almost as if the city were holding its breath.
That was the day Anika Sharma, a brilliant Indian archaeologist, received an unexpected message.
She had lost her job just a week earlier due to budget cuts. Her long hair, dark eyes, soft lips, and graceful figure often made people pause—but beauty alone didn’t pay bills. She needed work, purpose, and hope.
And then… the email arrived.
From: Arjun Rao
Subject: Critical mission. High compensation. Need your expertise.
Location: San Francisco.
It was risky, but the opportunity—and the pay—was too good to refuse. Within two days, she was on a plane, anticipation heightening with every mile closer to San Francisco.
***
The Man at Pier 39
The first time Anika saw Arjun Rao, she almost froze.
Tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp, chiselled features—he had the kind of presence that could stop a room. If he were in films, he’d be a national heartthrob.
“Dr Anika Sharma?” he asked, calm and deep.
“Yes,” Anika replied.
“I’m Arjun Rao. RAW,” he introduced himself.
Her eyes widened in a mix of shock and curiosity, realising the seriousness of the mission.
***
The Stolen Secret of India
Over coffee, Arjun explained:
A thousand years ago, an Indian dynasty created a golden relic, symbolising wisdom and protection. During colonial times, it was stolen and secretly preserved in San Francisco.
A smuggling syndicate planned to steal it again. Only someone like Anika—an archaeologist capable of decoding ancient scripts—could locate it first.
Her skills were invaluable.
Her courage is unmatched.
“I’ll help,” Anika said with conviction.
***
The Map That Breathed
At Arjun’s safehouse, Anika leaned over the ancient parchment, tracing symbols with steady fingers. Her long hair fell like silk over her shoulders.
Arjun watched her, captivated. She wasn’t just beautiful. She was intelligent, focused, and brave. He was overwhelmed, inside and out.
“This isn’t a sun,” she said. “It’s a compass. These lines are coordinates.”
He smiled.
“You’re incredible.”
***
29 December, Night: Into the Hidden Chamber
They entered the underground chamber near Russian Hill. Dust and silence enveloped them. Carvings glowed under Anika’s flashlight—ancient Indian designs untouched for centuries.
Suddenly—voices. Smugglers.
Arjun shielded Anika. “Stay close.”
Three armed men approached. A fight broke out. Arjun moved with lethal precision—punches, kicks, and disarms. The smugglers fled.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I… yes,” she said, still catching her breath.
“You’re amazing,” she whispered to Arjun.
He smiled softly. “And you’re the reason I’m here.”
***
The Relic of Light
Inside the final chamber, the relic glowed golden and serene.
Anika’s eyes brimmed with tears, overwhelmed by relief and awe at the relic’s beauty and importance.
“It belongs to India.”
“Thanks to you, it will return safely,” Arjun said.
***
The End of the Smuggling Chain
By the next morning, the entire racket had collapsed. It was over, at last.
RAW and the San Francisco Police launched coordinated raids.
Stephen, the international kingpin who smuggled the treasure from India, was caught while trying to flee from a private dock.
But the deeper betrayal came from within RAW.
The agency’s internal investigation revealed the mole who had leaked classified information for years: R. P. Pradhan. His betrayal had enabled Stephen to operate undetected for decades.
Pradhan was immediately arrested in Delhi. RAW then enforced its rule for spies and internal traitors: any officer who betrays the agency by leaking secrets or endangering India’s security is sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
RAW officers rarely disclosed these cases to the public, but in Pradhan’s case, the law was applied strictly to set an example. He would spend the rest of his life in prison, stripped of rank, honours, and citizenship privileges associated with government service.
With Stephen behind bars and Pradhan erased from the agency forever, the treasure network was destroyed.
Arjun turned to Anika, relief and satisfaction washing over him.
“It’s over. Completely.”
She smiled, eyes bright with pride and warmth.
“The hunt ends here.”
***
1 January, 12:01 AM: Fireworks and a Beginning
They stood on the waterfront as fireworks lit up the sky. Anika’s long hair rippled in the breeze. Her dark eyes and soft lips glowed in the reflection of bursting lights.
Arjun turned to her, his voice going soft. “Anika… you’ve been through so much. Losing your parents, feeling alone… I know life has taken a lot from you.”
She looked down, holding back a mixture of sadness and longing stirred by his words.
“But you will never be alone again,” he said. “With me, you will be loved, respected, and cherished—every single day of your life. You deserve warmth, admiration, and safety, not just today, but always.”
She met his gaze, heart racing.
“I’ve spent my life surviving,” Anika whispered, “never knowing if I could be loved.”
Arjun smiled, holding her hands. “You will be, Anika. And I promise, I’ll make sure you know it—inside and out—every day.”
Her cheeks flushed, a blush betraying not just joy but the relief of finally belonging.
“Yes, Arjun,” she whispered. “Sometimes life takes a little from you… and then returns it in abundance. You are that abundance.”
He pulled her into his arms.
The New Year had begun—
The treasure was safe, the enemies defeated, and two hearts had finally found home. From darkness to fireworks, every heart deserves a dawn!
Their adventure had ended. Their story had just begun!
Picture design by Anumita Roy
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