With the sudden appearance of Puneet, both the brothers got startled for a while.
Vinod rolled his eyes and retorted, "Bhaiya, we are new here, so it's only natural that we might be late.
But what about you? You joined here three days earlier than us," he teased. "Did you get lost on the way or something? And why are you so dusty?
"Ah, well," Puneet's expression softened as he began by scratching the back of his head.
"You see, Bhai, military life isn't quite the same as it used to be. I thought the support department would be easier, but they are pushing us harder than the regular infantry.
And this dust? Well, let's say it's a little proof of the exercises we have to go through."
In between their banter, the previous batch left, giving them space to enter the cafeteria. Suresh, being the eldest, intervened, "You two, let's go in. I am feeling very hungry now.
We can continue this conversation while seated over there," he pointed to the corner where there were fewer people.
While seated together in a quiet corner of the cafeteria shed, the three brothers found a moment of relief.
"So, how was your day, Puneet?" Suresh asked with a hint of curiosity.
Puneet gave a proud smile as he recounted his experience as a musket trainee," Well. I have been assigned to the musketeer corps. It's a bit different than other divisions. We got to wield a musket and shoot from distance, but it includes a multitude of training exercises as well."
Vinod mocked, "What's so great about shooting a stick from a distance? Even archers can do that by loosening a few strings.'
Suresh gave a light smack to his brother's head as he replied, "Bhai, everything has its worth. Also, he is not doing it as a single mercenary but rather as a unit. So it's obvious to have him undergo more training than usual."
Puneet grinned as he got the support of his elder brother, "Indeed, bhaiya. In fact, our division head is more serious about it when it comes to fighting as a unit.
We have a different military structure than the regular army and have to do weird training exercises to maintain balance and unity even when we walk."
"What kind of training exercise requires you to walk as such a unit?" Intrigued by the description, Vinod inquired.
Puneet took a deep breath before he began his explanation, "It's a rigorous routine," he explained. "At first, we were made to run 5 rounds double the size of this cafeteria by holding our musket.
Then they gave us some push-ups and light exercises." Taking a mouthful of rice, he continued, "Then we are made to stand still in different postures like attention or at ease at their different commands."
By drinking a glass of water, he added, "And then comes marching drills."
Observing his brother's discomfort while eating, Suresh offered a reassuring pat on the back. "Take it easy. We still have plenty of time."
Puneet nodded, slowed his eating pace and continued, "After that, we move on to tactical manoeuvres."
Noticing the puzzled expression of Vinod, he elaborated, "It's like learning how to navigate the battlefield as a unit, executing complex strategies and formations."
Vinod furrowed his brows in confusion. "Formations? Marching drills? I've never heard of that in the archer division. My friend's brother is also in archery."
Puneet elaborated, realizing that Vinod might not be familiar with this new military terminology. "Ah, sorry, brother, but even though our role is in support, it differs from traditional archery.
Marching drills require us to synchronize our steps with the drill's rhythm, as if dancing to the beat of music.
However, doing so as a whole group poses quite a challenge. Many times, our hands or legs get hindered by others while walking, even though we are doing it correctly.
In the worst case, if we are found repeating mistakes often, it may lead to collective punishment of push-ups or squats in front of the whole line."
Suresh gasped, "What kind of torture is that? That's too much. I think you should leave."
To clarify any misconceptions, Puneet explained, "It's not as harsh as it sounds, bhaiya.
These exercises instil discipline and coordination, crucial for orderly movement and precise formations on the battlefield. It's for our own good on the battlefield."
Vinod inquired curiously, "Is it that effective?"
Puneet replied with a confident smile, "Indeed, it is. Not just walking, but the way we reload or fire must be done in harmony as well.
But I must say, changing positions of retreat or advance to the sounds of drums and whistles is quite a unique experience.
And the feeling of shooting as a unit is on a whole other level."
Vinod inquired, "What happens next?"
Puneet's lips formed a wry smile as he described the next part of their training. "After that comes musket practice," he explained. "We spend hours refining our marksmanship, focusing on shooting with accuracy and speed. Loading and reloading become automatic, as does shooting in different formations."
Suresh then asked, "And how do you guys exactly, shoot?"
Puneet explained, "We are using arquebuses. First, we load them by pouring gunpowder into the barrel and place a bullet on top. Then, we use a matchlock, a slow-burning match cord, to ignite the gunpowder when we pull the trigger.
We aim carefully and try to handle the recoil to hit the target. After each shot, we have to reload, which takes time. It's a slow but powerful weapon."
"But won't it be dangerous in battle when you're reloading?" Suresh asked with concern.
Puneet chuckled and said, "That's where line formations come in handy. Depending on the situation, we either reload while others take their turn to fire, or we fall back to the rear lines to prepare for reloading and be ready to fire again. There are also situations when we simply rotate arms if movement is restricted."
Vinod interjected with a troubled expression, "That's a lot of tasks to handle."
Suresh couldn't help but reply with a smug grin, "Oh, my little brother, weren't you just complaining about why he's being paid so much?"
Hearing this, both Puneet and Suresh started laughing, making Vinod feel sheepish as he bowed his head in embarrassment.
"Puneet bhaiya, did you happen to see the girl in salwar kameez with prince Aditya" Vinod asked in order to change the subject.
Puneet silenced him with a subtle gesture,"sssh.. Idiot, do you wanna die. Don't talk about her so leisurely."
Confirming that no ones heard by looking he replied," Her name is Amira. she is like some special butler of prince, superiors say it as someone with title of secretary."
he slowed down his voice as he replied," I think she is more special than that, the way she looks at the prince...I doubt there is something more between them."
Suresh, overhearing the conversation, interrupted, "But isn't Prince Aditya celibate?"
Puneet's reaction was immediate; he nearly choked on the water he was drinking.
"Celibate? Who? The Prince? Ha! Ha! Ha!" he laughed, calming down from the initial shock.
He mocked, "Who told you that? There are rumours about his romance with General Raamya spreading throughout the entire army. Many guards on duty claim they've seen them together, cosying up in the shadows or behind closed tent curtains."
Suresh asked in disbelief, "But... in public? I heard General Raamya is a legend; this is not how she behaves...
What a shame, scandals are bound to happen if girls work with men."
Puneet shrugged dismissively. "Just rumors, bhaiya," he replied nonchalantly. "No proof beyond that. And besides, who cares what they do in their personal lives when he's done so much for common folks like us?"
Vinod asked hopefully, "But that doesn't mean the Prince is with that girl, right?"
Puneet replied, "You don't have a chance. Do you know how many superiors are eyeing her? She's like the beacon of hope for us. Just her presence keeps our spirits high, and her smile is so infectious that we forget all fatigue, no matter how harsh the training. There are even times when she wears saree and uff.."
Suresh asked, "Is she so beautiful?"
Puneet chuckled, "Yes, she's like a moving statue made of pure white marble."
Turning to Vinod, he advised, patting his head, "But she's definitely not for you, bhai. Even though the Prince might not show any emotion in front of us, I don't think he's the kind of guy who would miss such a chance when the girl is already showing interest."
Vinod's expression turned solemn as he spoke, "I guess I don't stand a chance with her," he murmured.
Seeing his brother Vinod getting depressed, Suresh teased him, "Come on, youngest.
Don't be so sad. Work hard and make a name for yourself. Who knows? You may find an even better girl."
Vinod's expression brightened at the reassuring words from his brother.
With this, the three brothers finished their lunch and went their separate ways to their respective duties.
Puneet headed straight to the new training grounds in the open fields. As the roll call was conducted, he took his position with his company.
Shortly after, Prince Aditya arrived, accompanied by Amira, and the soldiers couldn't help but feel excited. They had been eagerly waiting for her to arrive. Seeing Amira, his heart raced with joy, but like everyone else, he remained rooted to the spot.
As Prince Aditya engaged in conversation with Colonel Manish, an atmosphere of anticipation enveloped the area. Soldiers glanced at each other, waiting for the next turn of events without turning their heads.
Suddenly, with a signal from the Colonel, the silence was broken by the arrival of a few carts shrouded in black cloth, pushed by some men. Everyone's interest was piqued as they wondered what could possibly be hidden beneath those covers.