Anshika stepped into Siddharth's room, only to find him dramatically sprawled on the bed, staring at the ceiling as if he had just survived a major disaster.
"This… is a room?" Siddharth said in disbelief, sitting up and looking around with pure disappointment.
Rishi, sitting cross-legged on his bed, grinned. "Aree...Mujhe toh bilkul perfect lag raha hai! Mera pehla khud ka roooom."
Siddharth dramatically placed a hand on his chest. "Excuse me! Bro This place is… lifeless."
He turned to Anshika. "Thank God you are here…just look at this room anshu .. how can we live in here?"
She rolled her eyes. "Ohoo...comeon ...it just need a bit... makeover?"
Siddharth scoffed. "Huh... No other option, wait I will call an interior designer..dad's friend."
Rishi shocked, "Hein!?"
"Seriously Sid?.. They won't allow to change complete architecture of room. We came to train here.. not for vacation trip." said Anshika. "And to be honest.. it's not that bad.. it just require a bit accessories! Do u have something for decor?"
"Bro... U know whatever I have.. just save me."said sid dramatically.
Anshika smirked knowing sid don't know much of sustaining in common life. "Ok.. fine sid.. just wait nd watch. But before that.. we need somestuff. So let's go shopping today!?"
Siddharth, lounging lazily on his bed, smirked. "Finally, someone with sense. Rishi, get ready."
Rishi, who was lying upside down on his bed, perked up. "Shopping? Thik h Bhaiji, pr lena kya h? "
Siddharth grinned. "Ahh.. anything that will make this place worth living. And that all on Anshu bro."
Anshika rolled her eyes. "Haan hn toh hurry up boys. Get dressed!"
Just as they were about to step out, a sudden announcement echoed through the halls.
"All freshers, assemble in the training ground immediately."
Siddharth groaned. "Great. First day, and they already want us to suffer."
The training area was in the middle of the academy building, surrounded by towering walls with various obstacles. Kabir Shergill stood at the center, his usual stern expression scanning the cadets.
" Ab dekhte h, kisme kitna h dam" Sanajana said, standing beside Kabir.
Kabir pointed at a massive hurdle wall with a bag hanging from the ceiling beam.
"Retrieve that bag. Simple."
The catch? The wall was nearly impossible to climb without technique.
No one dared to move.
After a moment, Anshika stepped forward.
Ignoring the murmurs, she grabbed the rope, trying to pull herself up. Her fingers slipped, her balance broke, and—
She fell.
Siddharth and Rishi rushed to help, but Anshika waved them off. "I'm fine."
She tried again.
And fell again.
Laughter echoed. Karan smirked. "Dekh liya sabne!? Pampered kids like her won't last a day here."
Anshika didn't respond. Instead, she took a deep breath and scanned her surroundings.
That's when she saw it.
A pair of old rubber gloves sticking out from the side.
Using sheer instinct and quick thinking, she jumped, grabbed the glooves, used it , swung herself up, and—
Grabbed the bag .
Since rubber glooves were of old rubber... It caused more friction between rope and her hand and thus prevent her from slipping.
Faiz clapped. "Oye Karan, kya keh raha tha tu?"
Sanjana smirked and joined in. "Sir, dusre tareeke se hi shi.. pr kr toh liya isne."
Even Kabir's expression remained unreadable, but there was something new in his eyes.
Maybe…hope?
After the training session ended, Siddharth's eyes landed on Sanjana as she adjusted her gloves, walking past the cadets.
The afternoon sun hit her sharp features just right, her dark, neatly tied-up hair slightly loose from all the training. The way she carried herself—strong, focused, untouchable.
Siddharth smirked. "Ahm ahm..Miss Commander, remember me?"
Sanjana shot him a glare, tightening her wristband. "Kya?"
Rishi nudged Siddharth. "Are ..Sid Bhaiji ruk jao, ma'am danger lag rahi hai."
Siddharth chuckled, stepping in closer. "Danger toh hai, buf that's what make her stand out bro."
Rishi whispered to Anshika, "Didi bhaiji ko roko ... Warna Bhaiji pakkaa marenge."
Anshika smirked, enjoying the exchange.
Sanjana simply rolled her eyes and walked past, her expression unreadable, but the faintest hint of amusement in her eyes.
"Bandar khinka...pata nhi kya bakta rhta h.."
Siddharth watched her go, shaking his head with a smirk. "Interesting."
Anshika, Siddharth, and Rishi met Misti and Parul while heading out. The girls instantly clicked, making fun of Rishi's nonstop energy.
By the time they returned, bags full of essentials, Anshika wasted no time.
She transformed Siddharth's room, making it sleek, stylish, yet functional.
The décor, though minimal, adds warmth and character—tech-inspired frames hang above the beds, a sleek bean bag sits in the corner for casual lounging, and small statues of iconic gadgets rest on the shelves. A clothes hanger lane near the door keeps uniforms organized, while subtle LED strips under the study table add a modern yet understated glow. The room remains disciplined yet stylish, blending functionality with a hint of personal flair.
Rishi gasped. "Didiji, aap toh full-on designer hai! Kya chamka diya room ko!"
Siddharth crossed his arms, nodding in approval. "Bruh...I have to admit… this is impressive. You saved me!"
After finishing, Anshika returned to her own room. She arranged the study tables, adjusted the wardrobes, and added a few personal touches.
Sanjana didn't comment. But as she lay on her bed later that night, she couldn't deny—
The room felt warmer now.
It was late, but Anshika couldn't sleep.
The hurdle wall haunted her.
So, she snuck out to the training ground and began practicing. Again. And again.
Every time she climbed, she slipped. Her hands ached, her muscles burned, and her breath came in short gasps.
Just when she lost her grip again—
A firm hand was suddenly beneath her foot, stopping her fall.
One of her er tightly closed eyes ...open a bit bit to peek.
------------------------------------
Anshika's POV
shit shit shit!
What this guy is doing here?
As I turned sharply. Kabir Shergill.
Before I could react, I moved too quickly, and my balance broke again.
"Oye..aahhh"
Befor I could hit the ground.. I felt an arm tightly holding my waist and a warth around my wrist.
This time, Karan caught me mid-fall.
He let go the moment I steadied myself. "Your grip is wrong," he muttered and walked off.
"Wh...what!?"
Oh god... What was that... I can feel my heavy breath.
My arms were already hurting to hell because of multiple fall I endured.
But now it my chest as well.
Wait... What you are doing Anshika..focus! I can't give up!
"Come on Anshika , U have to do it"
------------------------------------
Anshika stood there, breathless, as the night air pressed around her.
Maybe this place was tougher than she thought.
But so was she.