Love Amidst Chaos [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter 14

A few days have passed since Naina's conversation with Rajveer and honestly, it did calm her a lot. She has started thinking more rationally now. It was easier for her to control her emotions and think clearly.

The cadets were informed to assemble on the ground floor. When the cadets reached there, they were met by none other than, Captain Dr. Shalini and Dr. Ritu Mishra. 

"Good morning, Cadets. Today, we are going to learn a very important lesson." Ritu began while Shalini stood beside her.

The cadets looked at both of them, curiously. Ritu pointed towards the 'Cold Room' and said, "Cadets, what plays an important role in winning a war? Strong mind or strong body?" 

The cadets first glanced at each other but soon were divided in three groups. One, who believed a strong mind, second, who believed a strong body and a third group, who believed both were equally necessary. 

Ritu glanced at the third group and asked them to select one of the two options. Soon, the entire class of first semester cadets was divided into two. [READ A/N 14.1]

She again, asked the cadets, the reason for their selection and each of them, began giving her their reason. She smiled hearing their enthusiastic answers. She raised her hand and the class fell silent.

"Okay. I believe, that now you all will be able to understand this task better. You see that Cold Room? I am going to make a group of 10 cadets each, and each group will have to go and stay in that room for minimum 4 minutes and maximum 12 minutes. The temperature will be lowered by this knob here. Starting with 3 degrees and going up to -5 degrees. Am I clear till here?" Ritu asked and everyone nodded.

"Good. Now, you are free to leave the room if you feel uneasy or unwell, which is why, Capt. Shalini is here for our assistance. Keep in mind that 4 minutes is minimum time but I would really like it if all of you stay in longer. Of course, keeping your health in mind. That being said, Group 1, come forward." Ritu said and the exercise began.

There were 12 groups and Naina was in 10th group with Alekh in the same group as her. Alekh and Naina looked at each other and Alekh smirked at her and Naina just rolled her eyes at him. For everyone else, Alekh was cold and scary but only Naina knew how annoying he was. [READ A/N 14.2] 

So far, only 4 cadets have managed to stay in the Cold Room for complete 12 minutes. Majority of them stayed in there for an average of 4-5 minutes. Ritu shook her head at this. A few couldn't stay in for more than 3 minutes and were allowed to exit. 

By the time, it was Naina's group's turn, Brigadier Chandok, Major Nair and other faculties were there to see what was happening, including Rajveer. Since, it was lunch time, most of the faculty decided to come and see how the newbies were performing. 

As soon as Naina entered the room, she was met with a gush of cold wind which made her shiver slightly. She went in and stood with others. Alekh managed to stand next to her, just to annoy her. But Naina was not stupid, she knew that the only reason Alekh was next to her was to keep an eye on her and make sure that she doesn't risk with her health. She shook her head at his antics. 

All the cadets in her group were quite comfortable in the beginning as compared to other groups. Soon, the temperature started to fall and she shivered slightly, considering they were wearing just their uniform without any jacket or warm clothes. She noticed a gentleman cadet starting to cough, a bit too much. Captain Shalini announced through the mic for the gentleman cadet to move out of the room. 

Soon, there were only 6 cadets left in the room with Naina being the only girl. Her teeth started to chatter but she kept her mouth shut. Of course, Alekh being Alekh noticed it and whispered in her ear, "You can leave if you are cold, Naina. Do not play with your health."