Realisation And Nurture (BOOK #2) ✔

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

When on one sword, which crossed over the other, fell the narrow filter of sunlight beams, the cast iron, and the vintage bronze sparkled brightly underneath it. The grandeur of Ashoka Stambh engraved a few inches above it added more to the glory of the hefty sparkle of the swords.

As Rehaan looked over his head, the huge metallic national emblem caught his gaze and his movement was instantly adjourned. The three Asiatic lions, superbly sculpted, appeared to him as if they were staring majestically at him and awaiting his attention.

The three roared volumes on top of the round abacus and symbolized stories of strength, courage, pride, and devotion, though the fourth lion was obscured from the view. A bull and a horse with Ashoka chakra in the center were seen on the surface of the abacus.

Rehaan recalled that Vihaan had taught him the symbolic representation of the national emblem and the flag, narrating to him briefly of Indian glory being the "Sone Ki Chidiya,", that India was shackled by the colonial power, that deeply embedded nationalism had been instilled in our roots and the sacrifices of the freedom fighters which followed the road to independence and democracy.

Some loud voices reversed his concentration, and he saw two military personnel wearing uniforms of camouflage with patches of light color and soldier boots standing near him. Rehaan now understood that he was at the entrance of a wide field, and beyond the great iron gates, it seemed enormous and endless. With an uncomfortable smile, he greeted the officers on either side of the gateway and they shook their heads.

"Welcome to 'The Champions' Trek'." The officer on his right spoke as conscientiously as he could, smiling with control. He was neatly shaved and his hair was carefully trimmed into a crew-cut. He clapped his palms as soon as he noticed other children standing in a queue behind Rehaan. "There should be separate queues between the girls and the boys so that our members may simply take them to their respective campuses."

When Prachi moved to the first place in the neighbouring row, she was accompanied by six other girls, including Aarohi and Shalini. While Dhairya stood second in the group behind Rehaan, there were seven or eight more boys following him.

"Pihu, you did not tell me that dad sent us to a military camp!" In Prachi's ear, Rehaan muttered. "I'd otherwise have decided."

No other girl in the world would have been happier at the moment than Prachi, as a crucial aspect of her dream was about to come true. Because of t The excitement that pleased her, Rehaan's disappointment was unforeseen.

"It was also a sur-prise to me. I can't even beli-eve papa gave me some-thing like this, a wish I have always cheri-shed." In a quiet voice, Prachi answered. "Ins-tead, you should be thank-ful to him."

"How can I do that? I thought it would be a great journey to such a beautiful area and a picnic. But it looks like a camp of training." Rehaan has indeed been shocked entirely. "I'm sure it is dad's tactics to bring me under control."

"If you know your beha-vior is irritating to others, why don't you behave corre-ctly?" With a gentle temper, Prachi said. "I don't feel it will be as sev-ere as you are try-ing to imagine. Let's just enjoy it with-out complaining for the next few days."

*****

In order to enjoy the wonderful view outside the enormous double-hung window, Prachi adjusted the synthetic cotton curtains. A conch-shaped pool with sparkling blue waters appeared shinier under the sunlight and as Prachi watched the ripples of water drifting along the surface, a soft voice interrupted her.