"Cadet Koel, why don't you stay back for an extra lesson to catch up?" she asked kindly. Koel did need extra lessons. Even with all the trainings from all the other cadets, including the seniors she was behind in many things.
She looked at Yudi, Ali, Pooja and Naina in despair. During the few days of her stay, she had really started loving hanging out with them as a group and as individuals. It brought... excitement... to her life, and the good type. She really didn't want to spend time studying extra hard after all her days full of it at every corner.
"Don't worry Koel! It's just a simple small session of the basic first-aid knowledge." Dr. Shalini explained seeing her look. "And I guess you need to relax somewhat... I know it's fun being with yoru friends, but you really do need some time for yourself. You look completely tired out!" And it was true, she did look exhausted with bags under her eyes. She nodded and waved bye to the others, who promised to save her some of the better part of lunch.
Unlike the other classes, Dr. Shalini took it really slowly, allowing them both to relax. By the time Koel came out she was feeling a lot more refreshed and in a better mood, especially with the knowledge of how to treat her wounds professionally (she was quite clumsy at times).
~*~*~
"Shekhawat! I need to-" Major Samar was saying as he knocked once and opened the door without waiting for response. To his surprise (yes, his SURPRISE!) he found Naina sitting comfortably in his ex-cadet's arms as Rajveer explained a code. They both stood up immediately, looking sheepish and feeling awkward.
Major Samar looked scrutinizingly at them both. They shifted nervously under his gaze trying to think of excuses or explanations. "No wonder you've been so ansent-minded lately. I never expected anything like this from you Shekhawat... or from Ahluwalia's junior. Definitely not both of you together!" he said sternly, dragging his look to and fro which made the two even more nervous.
"Sir..."
"Don't even try Shekhawat. I won't rat out, because that's not what we do in the Army. But you have to keep things under control till at least the exams are over, and I don't care if Ahluwalia Jr. here has prepared her studies as well as her brother used to!"
Rajveer and Naina exchanged a short glance before nodding. She waved a vague bye before saluting Major Samar and leaving. Rajveer realized that his ex-teacher was actually quite serious about this, which brought worries back into his mind. He pushed them away and pulled himself nto the present.
"You said you needed something Sir?"
"Ah yes. I need to discuss Shekhawat Jr.'s arrangements. I believe that it would be best for her if she took her exams a week or two after the others. I just need to know her progress on your area... when I get that, I'll appeal it to Briagdier Chandokh."
Rajveer nodded and brought Koel's file. They discussed it for some time when a knock on the door interrupted them.
~*~*~
"I'm so tired." Koel sighed. She was curled up on Naina's bed (who was studying) after the hectic day. She rubbed her eyes and tried to suppress a large yawn.
"Koel you really need to recharge." Pooja said worriedly. Naina nodded in agreement.
"You could stay over if you want. Don't worry about Lolita Ma'am won't mind... most things are totally out of place when exams are coming up." She told Koel, who nodded while lolling off to sleep already. Naina and Pooja smiled. This feeling of taking care of someone like a younger sister was new to them; they liked it.
Soon, they heard her murmuring in her sleep and tossing and turning. At first it was quite violent, but after some soothing words and caresses from the two girls she calmed down. After that, it was surprisingly about... Huda... Naina wondered if he had actually managed to work his 'Huda-giri' on this girl who was from a completely different world. It cleared soon though; she was pouting and putting on annoyed faces, even though she was asleep. It took all of the two girls' energy to stop themselves from bursting out in hysterical laughter.
Precap - "That's cheating Yudiye!" Huda says angrily. Yudi stands up, as if not understanding what his friend is saying.
"Our exams start in two days!" Pooja moans sadly, while Naina repeats it with eagerness.