A story about a not-so-simple girl's not-quite-regular life.
Well we all know that nowadays gender equality is given a lot of importance everywhere. Females are working shoulder to shoulder with males. But in India we still don't include females in...
" It's great to see such a big part of our youth is interested in serving the nation. We are glad to have you here my dear trainees, and I heartily welcome you to a life more than ordinary. Jai hind."
Our training officer or ustad, Subedar Pawan Rathore, was giving us an introductory speech. Yes we are finally here, starting our first day of training. And know what? Only two of us, the girls, have managed to reach here. Rubina was standing tall beside me, looking proud of herself. Honestly, the speech really had that feel to it that we are bound to feel glad, confident and proud of our decision to come here.
-" So lads, follow me." Our TO, turned to leave, but caught our eyes, " And ladies, you too."
Exchanging a small smile with Rubina, we followed him only to end up in a barbar store. And what? I had to watch my thick long hair chopped off into the floor, making my head feel very light. Bye bye my dear hair, I will miss you.
While I still tried to take it easy and be glad that my head atleast is not bald like the boys, we were brought to a bigger field-like place in the training centre.
We were lined up to face the TO. A few more soldiers had joined him. Stacks of uniforms and other necessary stuffs were piled at one side.
The TO nodded at the other soldiers, and they got to work immediately.
They started handing out uniform and necessity kit.
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I couldn't help but smile inwardly everytime a new item was added to my kit. This was feeling more and more real now.
After we received all the stuff, the TO said, " So, my dear trainees, what you have got will be the most precious possession of your life. Now you will be shown how to properly wear the uniform. For that I would need a volunteer. " Though he said 'volunteer ', he straight up pointed to one guy and said, " You, come forward."
And guess who the guy was? Deepak Chadda.
Deepak looked kinda nervous at first, but stepped forward anyway. TO made him stand straight and asked him to put on the camouflage uniform. After Deepak had wore the uniform, the TO then handed him what was supposed to be a barrett cap.
He was brought a bucket full of water and then one of the soldiers took the barrett from his hand and dipped it into the water.
He then took it out and adjusted it to actually look like a barrett, then fitted the wet, dripping barrett on Deepak's head. Ew!
Then we were shown how to sew the indian army badge on the cap, ( Pagri, in a few cases)
After that, the TO addressed the whole batch again, " Trainees, today, as your first day, you will be shown around the campus, and will get the one and only easy and relaxed day during your time here. From tomorrow, we will start your training. 6:30 am sharp."
He sent off the boys with the other soldiers, and pointed at us, " You two, follow me."
* * * * *
He took us to the far corner of the campus building, and opened a room for us. " Ladies, this is your room. There's bathroom at the left. "
