The freshers stood in a line, their nervous glances darting between the towering academy gates and the trainers before them. The air buzzed with quiet anticipation as names were called one by one.
"IshaanMehta"
"Katherine Josh"
"Waah! Kya naam h!" exclaimed faiz.
When Katherine came in front, faiz took a glance and words came from his mouth "Yeh madam toh apne naam ki tarah hi h ek dam... Waah waah kya baat h !"
"Misti Dixit"
Each step forward was hesitant, uncertain.
"Rishi Sharma"
"Parul Shri"
And then—"Siddharth Malhotra"
**Silence**
The trainers exchanged glances before the name was repeated.
Just then, a royal light blue open car pulled up. The door swung open, and a voice, smooth and laced with arrogance, called out—
"At your service, sir."
A tall, alim stylish boy stepped out, adjusting his sleeves with practiced ease. His sharp jawline, neatly styled hair, expensive clothes and designer watch were enough to make it clear—he wasn't used to places like this.
Sanjana smirked. "Bass yhi dekhna bacha tha academy mein... London se aaya bandar.... Huh..!"
As Sid adjusted his sleeves, his gaze casually landed on Sanjana. She stood with her arms crossed, eyes sharp, scanning the freshers like a hawk. The wind tossed a loose strand of her hair, and without thinking, she tucked it behind her ear.
Sid smirked." Woah!Fierce. Strict...Interesting."
Just then, Sanjana's eyes met his. A brief pause. A flicker of something unreadable in her sharp gaze.
Sid, ever the charmer, raised an eyebrow, his smirk deepening.
Sanjana scoffed, rolling her eyes before turning away.
Sid chuckled under his breath. "So she is.... academy 's only lioness . Cool!"
Kabir growled in anger,"Abhi toh academy mein aaye bhi nhi ... Aur phle se hi late. This is not a club Mr. Shiddhart Malhotra!"
Without even giving anyone chance to speak, Kabir took name list from Sanajana and called last name - "Anshika"
"Anshika Gupta"
The car door slowly opened.
A foot stepped out, light but firm. And then, she stepped into view.
The wind caught in her long, black hair—soft strands cascading down her back, almost reaching her waist. The late afternoon sun flickered in her deep, striking eyes—eyes that could hold attention without trying. There was no hesitation in them, no fear, only quiet determination.She was just thirteen, the youngest girl here. Her frame was small, almost delicate, but the heavy bag slung over her shoulder didn't shake her balance. She adjusted it slightly, her fingers tightening around the strap before she took another step forward.
The trainers watched her, unreadable expressions on their faces.
Kabir's gaze lingered.
Not because she looked strong, not because she looked weak—but because she didn't look like either.
Siddharth, who had just stepped out a few moments ago, glanced back at the car and smirked. "Were you stuck to the seat, bro? What took so long to step out?"
Before Anshika could react, another voice cut in.
Sanjana, arms crossed, muttered, "Sir, hume toh lag raha hai yeh sab yahan picnic manane aaye hain."
Faiz chuckled, nudging Kabir. "Bhai admit to karna chahiye ...kuch log toh aaye hi alag tareeke se hain... Nhi Kabir?"
Sanjana chuckled.Kabir shot him a look before finally turning his attention to the girl who had just stepped out -- Anshika.
She looked around, eyes bright with excitement. Unlike the others, whose faces were painted with nervousness or arrogance, she had an expression that stood out—ambition. Determination. Like she was ready to take on whatever came next.
Kabir's gaze lingered for a second too long. Then, he wishpered to himself. "Ek aur rule-breaker."
Faiz grinned. "Ek minute, ek minute... Kabir Shergil aa—"
Kabir shot him a deadly glare. "Shut up."
The trainers handed out a map to each fresher.
"This is your way to the academy," Kabir explained, his tone sharp and no-nonsense. "You have one hour. Those who fail to reach in time—are out."
The freshers exchanged nervous glances.
Siddharth raised an eyebrow. "So, no car? I mean, I wouldn't mind a shortcut—"
"No shortcuts here, Malhotra," Kabir cut in coldly.
"Welcome to reality." Faiz smirked and continued "Aur haan, agar aap socha rhe h ki map dekh kr taihalte taihalte aana h hai toh galat soch rahe hai. Yeh sirf map hai, jo raste mein surprises hain... woh aapko khud hi discover karne padenge. So best of luck!"
The next moment, the freshers were off—heading towards the dense forest that separated them from the academy.
As soon as they disappeared, Kabir, Faiz, and Sanjana made their way to the academy terrace, binoculars in hand, watching the freshers navigate their first challenge.