A Thousand Encounters

Chapter-1

A dim light was still glowing in dormitories. Dense fog and Ember's bright, a traveler could tell the beauty of it. Though, it was against the rules of cantonment. Lying in his warm bed, he turned the page of book. No matter, how rough and physical his day goes; it ends with reading a book.

All the boys were in deep sleep and he closed the book. Clock indicated 10:30. He tucked himself in bed without a second thought.

_________

"Cadets,

Today I have gathered you for a special announcement. Like every year, 20 cadets will join the seniors in mayor's annual party. So I want my young lads to step up and grab this opportunity. Prove your mettle. You have to earn this chance. This is not any ordinary party. Every year, Mr. Mayor honors our regiment's officers for their selfless services towards city. I want my young boys to witness such event so that they can learn."

Faces could tell that how boring this lecture was for few. Other few were listening dedicatedly.

"You all are going to face few challenges this week, whoever succeeds in facing those challenges, will get a chance to be there.

Dismiss," Colonel added.

Colonel Singh left the hall. Hall got filled with chirping.

"At least we will get some good food," one said.

"And think about girls," Harshad added. Manik with this smile was listening to all.

"You tell me Manik," asked Harshad, "you interested in this party?"

He nodded mildly and said, "Not actually. I will see ya all later." He walked out of hall.

Session started with some aggressive work out. Regular drills and then normal routine, it was going the same. Most of them were waiting for challenges.

2 days to announcement and nothing special happened. Winters were knocking. Bus won't stop near their practice ground anymore. Town was getting slow with diminishing warmth of sun. Manik was again back to being less turbulent. Those distracting factors were gone, he thought. It was evident that how he gets a little extra affected by anything unexpected.

At supper, while having the last drink of the day, Colonel Singh made another announcement.

"Attention lads,

Do not forget to check notice board outside my office. Have a good night."

All rushed towards the notice boards. Was it about challenges or about upcoming holidays?

"List of those who got selected for annual feast

Right on top, Manik Malhotra, his eyes were wide opened.

"But how? Why me?" he uttered with this lost expression.

"You weren't interested, I thought," Harshad taunted.

"But I wasn't," he followed Harshad.
"Enjoy dude! I still don't know, what's up with these officers?" said Harshad who sounded a little offended.

"Your name is in the list. Right?" asked Manik.

"Who needs that? I am gonna be there anyways," he said with a wink.

Next was something weird as Manik deduced it. Tailor mapping him for an Armani suit, Colonel Singh was taking care of everything by himself. Manik felt stuck in something very fancy, opposite of how he liked.

"Attention Cadets,

I have arranged a tutor for you all. You all need to learn how to shake a leg," said Colonel.