After Colonel Vikrant Rathore wrapped up his speech and the last echo of his commanding voice faded from the grand hall, a quiet buzz of excitement and nervousness filled the air. The cadets, now officially part of India's elite training initiative, slowly began dispersing toward their designated rooms.
Rivet and Keshav walked side by side down the sleek corridor. The air smelled of fresh paint and distant pine trees wafting through the open windows. Their footsteps echoed against the polished floors as they turned toward their respective rooms.
"You on this floor too?" Rivet asked, glancing sideways.
"Yeah," Keshav grinned, tossing his duffel bag over his shoulder. "Just a couple doors down."
Their rooms were part of a smart dormitory complex—modern, efficient, yet warmly designed. Male and female cadets were housed in entirely separate buildings, with separate schedules, but equal intensity in training.
Inside his room, Rivet set down his bag and took a deep breath. He began unpacking, carefully folding and placing his clothes inside the automated storage locker. The room adjusted its lighting subtly as he moved, a soft amber glow following his footsteps. The entire facility felt futuristic—like a glimpse into the India of tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Keshav popped in and joked, "Bro, if we survive this week, we'll survive anything."
Rivet laughed, his exhaustion slowly catching up to him. "Let's survive tonight first."
After finishing up the room arrangements and grabbing a light meal delivered by the dorm AI, Rivet took a warm shower and collapsed onto his bed. He barely even remembered closing his eyes.
The Next Morning…
A shrill digital chime echoed in the room, but Rivet didn't stir. His body was far too drained from the day's travel, the emotional rollercoaster, and the physical setup of his new life.
By the time his eyes fluttered open, panic gripped his chest.
He shot upright and glanced at the digital clock on his wall: 05:42 AM.
"Crap!"
The schedule they had been given was clear—training began sharp at 05:30, with no margin for error.
Rivet rushed through his morning routine like a whirlwind. Brushing. Changing into uniform. Strapping on his ID band. In under four minutes, he was out of his room, sprinting down the hall with his boots half-laced.
By the time he reached the training grounds, most cadets were already in formation, stretching and warming up for the morning run.
Colonel Vikrant stood tall near the front, eyes like hawks scanning the field.
Rivet approached, trying to blend in.
But he was already spotted.
"You," the colonel's voice boomed, locking eyes with him. "Roll number 1, reporting late on the very first day."
Rivet froze, standing straight. "Sir, I—"
"I don't want excuses, beta," Colonel Vikrant said, voice calmer but firm. "I'll let it slide today. But this camp doesn't tolerate delay. Next time, I won't be so kind. Understood?"
"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir!"
Just as Rivet took his position, Keshav leaned in and whispered, "You know, I was almost late too. But I forced myself up. Rules here aren't just rules—they're religion."
Rivet sighed, "Yeah... lesson learned."
Keshav chuckled. "Also, I heard punishments here are brutal. Like fifty push-ups in freezing streams kind of brutal."
Rivet's eyes widened.
Keshav grinned. "Relax, I'm joking. Sort of."
Rivet chuckled nervously.
Then he looked at Keshav's neatly worn uniform and said with a soft smile, "By the way, you're really pulling off this uniform. Looks good on you."
Keshav's expression lit up like fireworks. "Don't flatter me, dude, or I'll start dancing like a peacock in the monsoon!"
Rivet laughed, the tension slowly melting.
Just then, a voice called from behind.
"Rivet!"
He turned to see Arnav and Shrishtee walking up, both wearing the same crisp uniforms.
Rivet blinked in surprise. "You guys?! I had no idea you got in!"
Arnav shrugged, walking up with a tired smile. "Didn't see you till now either. This place is massive—I'm still figuring out which building is which."
Before they could catch up more, a sharp whistle cut through the air.
"All cadets, into formation! Begin physical round—long run, followed by sprint and obstacle course!"
Colonel Vikrant's voice carried authority and weight.
The group quickly fell in line.
The long run began through the open grounds surrounded by the pristine Kashmiri mountains. Rivet pushed himself, but halfway through, his legs started to feel like concrete.
"Are you tired?" Keshav teased, jogging past him. "Come on. You're the army's future!"
That playful jab worked like magic.
Rivet gritted his teeth and kept running, breath ragged, but determination unwavering.
After the run came a full sprint. Then rope climbing, crawling under bars, and push-ups. Rivet struggled but refused to give up. His uniform was drenched in sweat, arms trembling—but his heart never wavered.
When the physical training ended, the cadets were directed to the mess for breakfast.
The hall was bright and efficiently run. Trays moved in a conveyor line. On the menu: boiled eggs, protein-rich khichdi, banana, milk, dry fruits, and an energy bar.
Rivet and Keshav sat together, silent at first, too tired to talk.
Then Keshav muttered, "Day one... and I already feel like I've lived a week."
Rivet gave a tired grin. "Let's just hope we survive till Sunday."
They both laughed softly, the bond between them growing stronger with every shared hardship.
To be continued...