The selection process was over, and the fresh recruits stood in a line, their bodies aching from the forest trial, but their minds filled with anticipation. The next step was simple—room assignments.
Two large bowls were placed on a table, one labeled "Boys" and the other "Girls." Each chit inside carried a room number, randomly assigning cadets to their quarters.
One by one, the cadets stepped forward to pick their fate.
Siddharth Malhotra pulled out his chit, read it, and smirked. "Room 202. Not bad."
A younger voice peeked over his shoulder. Rishi Sharma, the 12-year-old recruit, held up an identical chit. "Oh... Lagta h hume ek hi saath rhna h bhaiji."
Siddharth raised an eyebrow. "Wait, what? I have to share a room with someone.. seriously dude?"
Faiz chuckled from the side. "Kya hua, Mr. Luxury? Expecting a suite with a minibar?"
Siddharth sighed. "Huh...For heaven sake ...At least tell me this academy has Wi-Fi."
Kabir shot him a deadpan look. "Yahan sirf discipline ka network chalta hai."
Next, Misti and Parul picked their chits—Room 306. The two girls exchanged relieved smiles.
Everything was going smoothly, until—
It was Anshika's turn.
She reached into the bowl... and found nothing.
The room fell silent.
She checked again, her fingers brushing against the bottom. Empty.
Kabir folded his arms. "Well, that's new."
Faiz let out a whistle. "Toh ab kya? Anshika ji jungle me tent laga kar rahengi?"
The trainers exchanged glances. Assignments were randomized to keep things fair, and yet somehow, Anshika had been left out.
After a brief discussion, a decision was made.
"There's only one available option," Rajveer announced. "Anshika will be assigned to Room 301... with Assistant Trainer Sanjana."
A few heads turned.
Sanjana stiffened. She had never shared her space with anyone, let alone a cadet. But rules were rules, and there was no other choice.
For a moment, she looked at Anshika, then gave a curt nod. "Fine."
Anshika, however, looked more confused than hesitant.
"Thank you, ma'am. I won't be a bother, I promise."
Faiz grinned. "Sanjana ji, ab aapko bhi ek company mil gayi."
Kabir muttered under his breath, "Ek aur cheez jo rules ke against hai. Abhi toh yeh ldki thik se academy mein aayi bhi nhi aur already 2 rule Tod chuki h... god knows aage kya kregi."
With that, the room assignments were done.
The cadets were now officially settled in.
Anshika pushed open the door to Room 309, stepping inside with quiet curiosity.
The room was plain and minimalistic, much like the person she was sharing it with. The walls were bare, no posters or personal decorations—just functionality.
Two beds stood on opposite sides, but it was clear only one had been in use before. The other was neatly made, untouched.
A large window was positioned on the inner wall (wall beside Anshika's bed) allowing sunlight to spill into the space. Between beds two identical study tables sat side by side, each equipped with a lamp and some blank notepads.Two small wardrobes lined one wall in front of beds, and a door between two to linked washroom. Everything was clean, well-organized, and efficient—just like Sanjana.
Anshika turned, flashing a smile. "Room kaafi simple hai... but I like it."
Sanjana, already unpacking a file on her desk, barely looked up. "Yeh training academy hai, hotel nahi."
Anshika chuckled, unfazed. "Yeah, but a bit of decor isn't harm to anyone. Ek chhota sa plant rakh skte hain yahaan..." she gestured toward the study table. "Ya phir ek motivational poster—'Never Give Up' type."
Sanjana finally looked at her, expression unreadable. "Itna time kispr h, kya hi farak padta h inn sab se."
Before Anshika could respond, her phone buzzed.
It was Siddharth.
She answered, already knowing he might be stressed after seeing the room as he always lived a life of luxury.
"Finally..! Bro ... What would I do here, what the hell is this," his voice came through, laced with his usual dramatic flair. "Come to my room, bro. Important discussion hai or I will die.. hurry!."
Anshika raised an eyebrow. "Discussion? Usse Hindi me 'bakwaas' kehte hain, U know?"
Siddharth scoffed. "Excuse me? I am very serious. I just need... some moral support."
Anshika rolled her eyes but smiled. "Aayi. Bas Sanjana ma'am ko bata du."
She turned to see Sanjana already busy with her work, acting as if she hadn't heard a word.
Anshika hesitated, then said, "Umm..mein Siddharth se milkr aayi.. will be right back ..ok?"
Sanjana just gave a short nod, not looking up.
Taking that as silent permission, Anshika grabbed her phone and stepped out.
Anshika made her way towards the boys' lobby, casually scrolling through her messages as she walked. But just as she reached the entrance—
"Wait."
She halted abruptly, looking up to see a guard—or rather, a senior cadet in uniform—standing in front of her with a clipboard in hand.
He eyed her with a sharp, professional gaze. "Boys' lobby me bina entry register kiye koi nahi ja sakta."
Anshika blinked. "Hn?"
The cadet pointed toward a register placed at a counter near the entrance. "Yahan naam, time, signature, aur reason of entry likhna zaroori hai. Uske bina andar nahi ja sakte."
Anshika frowned but stepped forward, scanning the logbook. It was filled with precise details of everyone who had entered or left. Time stamps, signatures—even the exact reason for their visit.
As she signed her name, she couldn't help but notice something else—
Cameras. Everywhere.
Not just basic surveillance, but high-quality cameras equipped with audio recording. Positioned at every corner, every hallway.
The realization hit her.
This academy wasn't just strict. It was designed like a fortress.
No one could enter or exit without being recorded. No one could cross a single lobby without proper clearance.
It wasn't just a training ground. It was a system.
Anshika let out a low whistle. "Woah...Yeh toh kaafi… serious hai."
The cadet didn't react. "Agar rules todne ka soch rahi ho, toh mat sochna , humare kabir sir ke hote ..thats not possible."
She with a proud smile. "Ahm.. todne ka nahi, samajhne ka soch rahi hoon."
The cadet simply nodded, letting her pass once her details were logged.
The cadet simply nodded, letting her pass once her details were logged.
Anshika stepped into the boys' lobby, the atmosphere instantly shifting. The space was different—slightly larger rooms, a more structured layout. She was about to find Siddharth's room when—
BAM!
She collided into someone hard.
Her breath caught as she stumbled back, barely managing to keep her balance. Strong hands instinctively gripped her arms, steadying her.
And then—
Kabir Shergill.
His sharp eyes locked onto hers, filled with the same cold intensity as before.
Anshika swallowed.
The silence between them stretched, tension crackling in the air.
Then—Kabir's grip loosened. His jaw tightened.
And with a slight huff, he stepped aside.
Not a word.
Not a glance back.
"What the hell was that?"