Redux (Discontinued)

Triumphs and trials

So, I've decided to try updating this story every Sunday. I kinda hope a regular updating schedule will help me write this story more regularly and also ensure that the quality does not suffer.

Vardhaan Sir nodded at the other group.
"Akash. Sanika. Vyom Anurag Saurabh Karthik you are the other team. Now unless one of you is unsure you can commit to the team, we can proceed"

The peons had set the cloth covered machines on the table. They removed the cloth at a gesture from Vardhan sir to reveal the simple set up they had to work on.

It was nothing challenging. But to assume that would be the first folly any team could make.

Karthik chuckled.

"Anything you'd like to share with us all?" Vardhaan Sir raised an eyebrow.

Sanyukta's own eyes widened at the tone of her mentor's voice. Challenging and mocking.

Like he was almost waiting for one of them to consider the task an easy one.

"No Sir." Karthik shook his head.

"Fifty minutes. Figure out what is wrong with the machine." Vardhaan sir announced "I'll be out of the room but the cameras will be watching your progress. This is not about individual intelligence. You've already shown me that. That's why you'll notice that your teams are alternatively built. Rank one in Team A" he raised his hand to Sanyukta's team "Rank two in Team B and so forth so that no team has a clear advantage. I would not be judging you on individual contribution. I don't give a single damn if one of you singlehandedly saves the task. You won't be commended you will be out of the running. No one should consider Dream Team like some kind of Elite Ego Competition. Am I understood. It's a dream team I am looking for, not a one man or woman army with a Superhero complex!"

Vardhaan Sir walked out of the room without a single word or a backward glance.

And then the attitudes in the room changed.

"Isn't that the point of team tasks? To figure out who has leadership qualities?" Randhir whispered under his breath.

Sanyukta felt herself shaking her head.

"I don't care. The point of a team task for me has always been the dynamics. Well oiled machine with everything working in order. Not an overpowered engine that wants to push the car beyond its capacities." Parth pointed out.

Sanyukta and Randhir both flinched inwardly. Each one of them thinking that the words were a taunt to their own determined personalities.

Sahil, with his acute observation skills, noticed Randhir's fists curling and Sanyukta's straight back. He nudged Vidushi.

"Um. So. Yeah. Dream Team. That is going to be us right? Everyone agrees with that?" Vidushi smirked, knowing it would push both Sanyukta and Randhir into a competitive mode. "It's us or them. And if we don't work together it will be them. Will you be okay with that?"

Randhir scoffed "Oh hell no. Not if I can do anything about it. And I can do a lot. Rank no. 1 remember?"

"Not you. Us." Sanyukta pointed out "We are a Team remember? Granted that you'll be a tough competition on your own but us together and they have no chance."

Sanyukta found Randhir nodding at her. A stiff, begrudging nod but an acceptance all the same.

"Sahil, you'll check the overall machine. You've got a keen sense of observation to point out the possible faults." Randhir began directing " Vidushi, wiring." "Sanyukta, the friction and lubrication."