They stood in silence while the CSM scrutinized them. Minutes later, a couple of girls shuffled into the group. Two more joined them, their hair dripping. The four were singled out for special treatment, to be doled out shortly.
‘You think you are here for a picnic?’ the CSM barked. ‘Now, listen carefully. I will not repeat any of the instructions.’
After listing out quite a few dos and don’ts about the dress code and basic etiquette, she concluded by announcing that the LCs were to assemble in the anteroom at 7.30 p.m., dressed and ready to go for dinner at the Yoddha Cadets’ Mess.
It was 7.15 p.m. already. With just 15 minutes left for the next fall-in, Billi’s hope of having a shower dried up like a raisin in the sun. Forget a shower, she did not have enough time to unpack and change into formal clothing.
With a little help from Shiny, she finally raced into the anteroom just a minute after the appointed time. By then, half a dozen first-termers had already assembled, some of them dressed to the nines. These were the ones who had arrived in the morning and had had enough time to unpack, enjoy a bath and change into fresh clothes.
The CSM strolled in a couple of minutes later and began doling out punishments. All those who had arrived after her were made to do dozens of push-ups, and soon, they were sweating and fretting.
There were 20 first-termers in the anteroom and the CSM had been joined by a few more seniors, who were called appointments. These were senior LCs who, by virtue of their capabilities, had been assigned important designations and responsibilities. There was the Junior Under Officer (JUO), Cadet Quarter Master Sergeant (CQMS) and a few others. The CSM was the one to be dreaded as she was responsible for discipline and dished out punishments.
The CSM now gave a fresh list of dos and don’ts, even as punishments were meted out to those who didn’t meet her stringent guidelines. LC Amrita was ticked off for not sitting straight, and had to remain in murga position for the next 10 minutes. Billi, having studied in a village school, was quite familiar with the punishment, which required a person to squat down on one’s feet, with their knees close to the chest, after which one is required to hook their elbows behind their legs and hold their ears with their hands.
The others were going through a harrowing time. LC Vinni was punished for grinning too much. She was made to perform 20 push-ups in the corridor. LC Ruchi was awarded 20 sit-ups for whispering. By then, all the newcomers were unsure which of their acts would earn them punishments.
Just then, they heard the screeching sound of a car coming to a sudden halt. The CSM paused in the middle of her speech and raised her eyebrows. The JUO and CQMS shrugged in reply to the unspoken query. They were preparing to go out and investigate the arrival of the vehicle, when a petite and pretty girl walked into the anteroom, her high heels clicking smartly. All eyes swivelled towards her.
‘Hi!’ the newcomer threw a dazzling smile at the gathering.
Her greeting was met with pin-drop silence. The girls waited with bated breath for the CSM’s reaction. For a moment, she seemed taken aback. Realizing something was wrong, the girl went back to the door, raised a hand and asked for permission to enter the room. There was a stunned hush.
‘Welcome to the party!’ said the CSM, after recovering from the girl’s effrontery.
Her dazzling smile still in place, the girl walked into the anteroom and took a seat in the front row. It was obvious that she had no inkling of what awaited her.
‘So, where are you coming from?’ the CSM’s voice was saccharine sweet.
‘Sorry, my flight was delayed. Am I late?’
‘Late? Oh no! You are very much in time. By the way, where is your luggage?’
‘The cab driver dumped it at the entrance.’
‘Never mind! Won’t you introduce yourself to the girls? Give us your name, qualification and hobbies.’
Getting on her feet, the girl turned to face the others and began. ‘Hi, I am Lakmenlang Nongrum from Shillong. My father is a businessman. I have graduated in law. As for hobbies, I play a bit of tennis, but my first love is mountaineering. In fact, I have done the advanced mountaineering course at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling.’
I would have liked to climb mountains, Billi mused. Unlike the robust kicking of a ball in a dusty field, mountaineering sounded quite posh. She had seen a movie in which the hero had climbed a mountain, decked out in a parka, stylish sunglasses and white snow-boots. It was easy to visualize the cute Shillong girl in that gear.
‘Very impressive!’ The CSM clapped her hands. ‘Unfortunately, there are no mountains to climb in the academy, Madame Lah Di Dah. You will have many other things to learn.’
She paused for a moment and looked around to stare at the cadets who had giggled. Innocent faces look back at her. ‘I don’t want to hear any sniggering,’ she barked. Turning to the newcomer, she asked, ‘I didn’t get your name. Can you repeat your name?’
‘It’s Lakmenlang! Not many people get it the first time. You can call me Lakme or Lucky,’ the girl smiled.
‘Like the cosmetics company?’
A couple of suppressed snorts followed the CSMs question.
‘Yes.’
Turning her attention to the others, the CSM continued doling out several instructions on important matters. She instructed them to learn all about various kits and rigs, along with the nomenclature. Rig meant the different kinds of uniforms worn for different activities, and kit was the paraphernalia that went with each uniform. The number of kits and rigs were mind-boggling as were the several confusing terms like 6 Bravo, Combat Dress with Scale B, and Mufti.
It was almost 10 minutes to eight and a few rumbling stomachs declared the need for food, but the CSM had not finished her sermon. No one dared move or allow their attention to waver.
Finally, with just five minutes remaining for 8 p.m., she allotted a room to Lakme.
‘Take your bags to the room,’ the CSM barked at her. ‘You have five minutes to change and come down.’
‘Ma’am, it may be faster if we help her with the bags?’ Shiny stood up and asked.
The CSM raised her eyebrows, making the girls wriggle uncomfortably in their seats. Just when everyone was expecting her to dole out some more punishments, the LC conceded.
‘No one helps anyone overcome their difficulties. Considering it is quite late, I will allow it this time,’ she snarled.
Five minutes later, having helped Lucky to her room, which was adjacent to the one allotted to Shiny, they joined the others to run to the mess for dinner. The entire lot of girls ran in a proper formation with two LCs in front, and the rest trying to keep in step with the leaders of the squad.
Yoddha Cadets’ Mess, with its huge central chandelier, polished marble floor and portraits of mustachioed ex-army chiefs staring down from the walls, was an impressive place.
Right at the entrance of the mess was a table, laid out for a dinner with complete crockery and cutlery. The table was set in remembrance of all those soldiers who never returned from a war. They had once been cadets at OTA. A tilted chair had been placed at the table, a vase tied with red ribbon containing a single red rose was also placed on the table. An unlit candle, a slice of lemon and salt on the plate of bread presented a poignant picture. Each of the things on the table signified something important. The white napkin stood for the selflessness of the soldiers. The red rose and ribbon depicted the blood they shed for the nation, the salt symbolized the tears of those who grieve.
The Yoddha Cadets’ Mess was where the GCs and LCs from different battalions and companies converged for their meals.
The CSM had instructed the LCs in the anteroom. ‘You must remember that it is a place that demands decorum. It’s not a place where you go berserk at the sight of food.’
Despite their hunger, the girls tried their best to behave with dignity, but all pretences vanished as food was brought to the table. Almost everyone was stuffing themselves as though it was their last meal on earth. Besides, the clock was ticking away. The time allotted for dinner was little. Suppressing the urge to use her hands, Billi struggled with the fork and spoon. With the CSM keeping a hawk’s eye on her wards, it was impossible to cross the line.
The LCs had learnt their lessons quickly. The lack of time was a deterrent for any conversation. Besides, the dire consequences of trying to whisper had been illustrated by the CSM, soon after they settled into their chairs. ‘I can’t eat in a hurry,’ Seema wailed to her companion. She was proving to be one of the slowest cadets.
Her remark drew the attention of the CSM, who walked up to the first-termer and poured water from the jug into Seema’s glass. ‘Drink it up!’ she ordered.
Fearfully, the LC gulped the entire contents in her glass. Once again, the CSM filled it up to the rim, and ordered, ‘Finish it!’
Horrified, the other LCs watched as the glass was filled the third time with an order to empty it again.
Seema burst into tears.
‘That’s the punishment for talking during meals,’ barked the CSM.
Lesson learnt, the girls concentrated on their food.
Food had never tasted as good. Abandoning the desire to lick her fingers, Billi sighed contentedly. The chicken was one of the best she had ever tasted and the pudding that followed was delicious. Not a word was spoken as everyone concentrated on filling their stomachs.
The heaviness in their bellies slowed down the return run.
‘It’s cruel to make us run,’ complained one of the girls. ‘Running with all that food inside is unhealthy. I am ready to drop down.’
‘The least they can do is to let us walk back,’ Billi opined.
They found the CSM waiting in the lobby. How had she managed to reach the company before them? Her face thunderous, she greeted them with a volley of abuses. ‘You are a disgrace to the institution. The whole lot of you ate like cannibals. Have you forgotten all about table manners? What you need is some exercise to help you with your memory.’
Her words were followed by a series of orders for push-ups, front rolling, and haunching (jumping like a frog across the corridor). Only those who have tried to exercise after a heavy meal know the torture it can be. A collective groan went up as the girls subjected their bodies to suffering.
The girls of Phillora Company were faring no better, Billi observed. They were being given similar punishments by their CSM.
Just then, a Honda Jazz, polished to perfection, glided into the portico, and a lady officer stepped out of it.
Calling for them to halt, the CSM ordered the girls to stand in a row while she rushed over to greet the officer.
‘I am Major Swati Nair, your Platoon Commander,’ began the smart officer. Her pleasant expression and warm smile kindled hope in the bosoms of the harried LCs. ‘You have two Platoon Commanders, Major Sherawat is the other one. She will be meeting you in a while.’
With a face like that, she has to be a kind person. Should we convey our concerns to her? Such were the thoughts that ran through their minds.
Beaming, she addressed the first-termers. ‘Firstly, congratulations for being selected to join the army. I know life can seem a bit tough initially, but soon you will get used to it. You must have had a busy evening, so I won’t take any more of your time.’
The LCs were pleased with the mild-mannered officer. She was sure to rebuke the senior for the harsh treatment being meted out to them.
To their disappointment, Swati showed no signs of being displeased with the CSM. ‘I hope all is well. Do you have any points?’ she asked.
‘All is fine. No points, ma’am.’ The CSM threw her an ingratiating smile.
Turning to the LCs, the Platoon Commander asked, ‘Does anyone have any points?’
‘No ma’am,’ parroted the girls, in one voice.
Billi raised her hand to make a point. But before she could speak, Shiny pulled her hand down and hissed, ‘Don’t be stupid.’
‘So, everyone is happy.’
‘Yes ma’am,’ they echoed.
‘See you in the morning then. Good night!’ With that, Major Swati drove away.
If the girls had assumed there would be relief, they were mistaken. Punishments resumed as soon as the PC’s car slithered away from the building.