As Veer and Sonia made their way home in the car, the cool evening breeze filtered through the open windows, mingling with the distant hum of city life. Once they arrived, Veer wasted no time in freshening up, his thoughts already consumed by the next task—his first martial arts class. While Sonia excitedly prepared to meet her friends and spend time at the park, Veer's focus remained on the challenge ahead.
Sheena had arranged his admission into a well-known martial arts class, and their driver was already waiting to take him. The martial arts studio wasn't far, but as they neared the modest three-story building, Veer's heart picked up its pace. Sonia waved goodbye with a playful grin as she headed off in another car, while Veer braced himself for what awaited him.
When he entered the building, it was clear this place was more than just a typical studio. The ground floor had a variety of equipment, serving as a gym, boxing ring, and martial arts dojo. Around him, children of different ages were engaged in various exercises—some performing basic stretches, others practicing more advanced techniques, and the older kids sparring in intense hand-to-hand combat.
The atmosphere was one of focus and discipline. Veer could feel it instantly.
At the front of the room stood Mr. Rao, a retired army officer who now ran the dojo. His stern eyes swept over the students, his presence commanding attention without him having to say a word. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his posture reflecting years of strict military discipline.
"Welcome, Veer," Mr. Rao said, his voice steady and firm. "I don't care where you come from or what you know. Here, everyone starts from the basics. I don't believe in shortcuts, and I expect punctuality, focus, and effort. Understood?"
Veer nodded, the weight of Mr. Rao's words sinking in. His mind, sharp as always, was already planning how to make the most of this opportunity. His body, however, was a different matter. Despite the workouts he had started a month ago, Veer knew he was far from being in fighting shape.
"You'll start with basic exercises," Mr. Rao continued, his gaze narrowing slightly. "Don't expect to throw punches or kicks anytime soon. Strength, flexibility, and discipline are your foundation. Without that, you're a liability in any fight."
Veer accepted this without complaint. He knew that true mastery took time. As he moved through the exercises—squats, push-ups, lunges—he reminded himself that "Rome wasn't built in a day." The repetition, while simple, began to take its toll. His muscles burned with each rep, but he kept his focus.
While the other students groaned and sighed under the strain, Veer kept his head down, silently committing to each movement. His advantage lay in his sharp thinking. He wasn't as physically fit as the others yet, but he understood the purpose behind every exercise. His mind was always one step ahead, analyzing and adapting.
Throughout the session, Mr. Rao observed his students with an unyielding gaze. He offered no praise, only the occasional correction when necessary. Veer respected that. From everything he'd learned in his past life, he knew growth came from consistent effort, not from being coddled.
After what felt like hours but was only one, Mr. Rao finally called the class to an end. "We'll see how much discipline you have in the coming weeks. If you want to learn how to fight, you'll have to earn it. No easy wins here."
Veer, despite the fatigue settling into his limbs, felt a quiet sense of accomplishment. The journey had just begun, but he was ready. He would take Mr. Rao's lessons to heart and build his foundation, step by step.
When he arrived home, Sonia was already back, her carefree smile greeting him at the door. She gave him a once-over, noticing the strain in his walk. "How was your class, Veer? You look like you've been through a lot," she teased, sticking her tongue out.
"It was good," Veer replied, keeping his tone even though his muscles still ached. "I think I'll be sore tomorrow."
Sonia chuckled. "You're always so serious. You know, you could come and play with us sometime. Loosen up a bit."
Veer smiled slightly. "Maybe someday, but for now, I've got work to do."
Sonia paused, her expression softening. "I'm sorry, Veer… about not telling my friends about the kidnapping and how you were adopted by my mom. I didn't want them to treat you differently."
Veer shook his head, appreciating her concern but unbothered by it. "It's better this way. We don't need to reveal too much. People don't always need to know everything."
Sonia nodded, relieved, as they both settled into their evening routines.
Later that night, Veer sat cross-legged on his bed, meditating to calm his mind and body. He reflected on the day, evaluating the mistakes he made and thinking of how to improve. "I wish I had a photographic memory," he thought, knowing how much it could help him.
But then he reminded himself, "No, Veer. You're already blessed with a healthy body. Be grateful for that and appreciate what you have now."
In his past life, Veer had learned that everything comes at a cost. He wanted more, but he feared losing what he had. He knew that karma's a bitch, and that nothing was ever certain.
As he finished his meditation, Veer mentally prepared himself for the weeks ahead. The road to strength, both mental and physical, was just beginning, and he was determined to see it through, step by step.