Madam Sirr 2

Chapter 37

37. Training and the Mission begins

The scorching heat of the sun blazed through the air conditioned room, stuffing up a grave intensity. The sky was bathed in a golden hue, a dreamy yellow that spread throughout the sky mingling with the glare of the afternoon sun.

Haseena awoke with a start, pushing the duvet down, her eyes scanning the settings of her new surroundings. It took her a while to adjust, for her mind to reconvene that she had shifted to Mumbai. She rubbed her eyes, the nostalgic yearning for her mother digging deep into her. She stood up, keeping her back on the soft edge, her eyes landing on KS who was still sleeping, snuggled deep into her bed covers.

Smiling, she got off the bed tying her hair into a messy bun and stood in front of the window, watching the chaotic streets of Mumbai. The afternoon sun glinted in her eyes, dancing across the busy streets. It was a wild cacophony of sound and color; a vibrant mix that Haseena wasn't used to. The streets were covered with people of all sorts; vendors, loitering school kids and office workers who braved the sunny streets. The traffic in all its nightmares weaved in and out of the streets with rickshaw drivers and bicycles taking the lead overriding the other vehicles. In the distance, Haseena heard the hoot of a train and the silent gushing of water waves.

She rubbed her head, a nagging migraine attacking her temples. She yawned stretching her sore muscles still stiffened from jetlag. She pushed herself to the bathroom and poured a handful of cold water on her face directly knocking the sleep off her eyes. She got dressed and woke KS who looked like a grumpy Grinch, cross at being awakened.

Haseena made herself a mug of coffee and sat cross-legged on the bed, balancing her laptop on her knees. She zoomed past the screen, her eyes squinting at the ties of evidence- the collection of photos and reports that they had maintained so far. KS joined Haseena after freshening up and finishing her call with Veyom and Roshni.

They met Anubhav and Amar for lunch at the hotel before heading back to their rooms for a much needed rest before the training began at night.

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The 4 officers stood in a straight line, their hands pressed tightly behind their backs, their postures stiff and rigid at the Mumbai police grounds. In front of them stood a man of about 40, a retired army commander who towered over them. He had a calculated and stern expression, an expression that sent a chill down the officers gathered.

"My name is Ishaan. I'll be your training officer for one week" his sharp voice echoed through the night. "If you do as I say, this training will be effortless and smooth. If not...." His words hung in the air, carrying a sinister threat.

The officers nodded as he blew the whistle, the shrill sound piercing their eardrums.

"We will start with 10 laps around the ground."

They looked at him, eyes widening in shock and surprise. The ground was enormous and ten laps would blow them out of shape. Mr. Ishan blew the whistle a second time, leaving no room for doubts.

"All 10 laps should be completed within 15 mins. Anyone who comes even a second late will be punished." He yelled as the officers scrambled to their feet, the urgency spiraling them forward. Luckily, all 4 of them finished on time as they wheezed out of breath, sprawling down on the ground. The officer lacked mercy as his whistle rang again.

The night continued with a relentless pursuit of physical training the officers had ever experienced. The two hours finally scrambled to halt, their bodies echoing in loud protests as they stood in a line facing him.

"We will start the advanced training from tomorrow. Dismissed."

They saluted him in haste, their muscles screaming in pain.