Snippets of Madam Sirr (S1)

Chapter 18

The Days at the Academy

The overhead lights flickered to life as someone tapped the switch and the sliding door opened. The carpeted floor masked the sound of footsteps that thudded heavily with the boots. The air around was chilly yet silent, the night dropping in on her.

She sat down on the weight bench lowering her head as she eyed the equipment shining in every corner. She sighed, tears confronting herself.

KS had had a grueling day. It had been a month since she'd joined the academy and it was not easy. She pressed her palms down on the leather seat as her mind uncurled with the events of the day. She heard her mentor, Babita madam's voice as clear as day barking instruction at her to complete the physical training exercise but despite KS's best efforts she had failed miserably. She shook her head trailing the path of tears falling down her cheek.

KS felt as a failure. She felt as if she had disgraced her family, especially her brother. Her mind shifted in melancholy as she recalled her Anu Bhaiya and how he trained her.

"Karishma...." She heard his voice. "Remember, failure isn't final. It's in your hands to turn your failure into a success."

His words echoed deep in her mind yet she knew that she had failed. She got up in a rage and started throwing punches at the punching bag. She yelled and screamed her frustration and anger, her voice cutting through the eerie silence.

Her hands were benumbed in pain as she lashed out wildly, her eyes a narrow slit. Exhausted, she finally fell down to the floor cradling her injured arm which was throbbing in pain.

"I failed you Anu...." She whispered as the tears overtook her. She held her head in her hands completely overwhelmed by her emotions that she didn't hear the door sliding open.

Two figures walked towards her. One was her mentor and the other her friend, Aryan. KS wiped her eyes and quickly stood up. She lowered her head afraid to meet the gaze of Babita madam.

"Karishma...." She called. KS looked up, her eyes blurred. "What is this?" Babita madam asked.

"Madam...." She cried. "I failed....."

Babita Ji's gaze softened momentarily but she quickly composed herself.

"Who said that?" she asked, her stern voice lashing out.

"Madam....the exercise..." KS blurted out.

"Karishma that was only one exercise. You still have time."

"But...."

Babita Ji's glare immediately silenced KS. She edged closer to KS and held her hand.

"Karishma.....you failed one exercise but does that mean you give up on your dream?" she asked.

KS looked at her a while before slowly shaking her head no.

"Then why are you so worried. You lost once but you are still not defeated. You come back stronger tomorrow."

Her words had an immediate effect on KS. She dried her tears and held her head high, a new determination seeping through.

"Yes, madam I will try harder tomorrow."

Babita Ji's heart swelled in pride as she saw the resolution in her cadet. She held her by the shoulders and looked directly into her eyes.

"Remember, no one can defeat you except for yourself."

They shared an intense eye-lock before Babita Ji headed outside. She paused near the doorway and turned back looking at the two cadets.

"Get some rest. You'll need it for your punishment tomorrow." She said with a smirk as she walked away.