NATION'S PRIDE

✈ |A Peak

Day 2

17 February 2019

Training camp

It was five in the morning and the JAT regiment alongside other forces selected by Vihaan for the mission with Sartaaj were into a training session leaded by Vihaan himself.

"I am sure this is not something new for all of you. Is this? Except if there's a new joining." Vihaan said.

There was a large sound of "NO" in unison which overshadowed a few yes which came in between. Vihaan nodded.

"Raise your hand up if you weren't a part of Surgical Strike 2016."
Vihaan commanded.

Ten of the cadets raised their hand who were markably new and young. Very young.

"Come at this side." He told them to separate them from the experienced troop. Taking the instruction, the ten of the young guys stood in a separate group.

"You shall return back from here. The mission requires trained and experienced staff and it would be quite dangerous for you all to take part this time." Vihaan told them not being himself for a moment.

He hated doing this. Several times, he had went through the same. But, at this point, it felt right. Because this time, it was at least fifty times dangerous than surgical strike. They didn't have time to train the new ones like the already experienced soldiers. Had he had time, he would have definitely gone for this.

He was about to turn for Sartaaj to proceed with the drill but a soldier among the suspended cadets spoke.

"Sir! Am..really sorry to interrupt. But at least give us a chance." One of them spoke and then seeing him the rest ten too started speaking.

Did he expect this? 200%. He expected this. Vihaan faced him and with a slight warm expression tried to make him understand.

"Cadet, I appreciate your spirit. But try to co-operate a little. We have less than ten days and the mission requires a lot more than training. If you'll start now, your maximum time would be invested in physical training and hence you'll miss out some really important sessions. Moreover, it's not a surgical strike this time. The enemy has an idea that we are going to do something and they will take all measures which makes this even more risky. You're new, a new soldier builds confidence by taking over small victories and then going for a big grab!
And this is not the last mission. "
Sartaaj was surprised by the way Vihaan talked to the cadet. Something was changed. As much as he knew, Vihaan never cared to explain but today, he surprised him.

"Maybe after effects of marriage. " He mumbled to himself watching Vihaan patting the young soldier's back and shaking hands with the entire suspended troop.

"As we have no time, we will have fourteen hours of training period and..... Sartaaj collect their cell phones. " Vihaan instructed.

"Sir, can we put up a last message to family about not being available? " One of the soldier asked.

"No need. " Vihaan said making almost everyone shocked. Sartaaj collected all the phones and stood besides him.

"We have a few instilled landline numbers which are under cctv and sound transmissions. You all can talk with your family until the ultimate day but remember, no information to be leaked. If I found someone doing that, you'll be suspended not only from the mission but permanently from the army. IS THAT CLEAR? " He told.