The days in Trivandrum passed in a blur of early mornings and late nights, as Aryan threw himself headfirst into his preparation for the IPS exam. Each dawn broke with him standing in the courtyard of Aditi's house, the city's faint hum serving as a backdrop to his rigorous training. Timmy perched on the boundary wall, his golden eyes glinting in the morning light, while Jimmy stretched out on the cool concrete, tail wagging lazily.
Aryan's routine was relentless. His mornings began with meditation and Kalari exercises, the fluid movements grounding him in focus. His grandfather's words echoed in his mind—"Strength without clarity is chaos." Every stretch, every stance was an attempt to center the swirling energy he felt within. Timmy often mirrored him in his own way, his wings flexing as Aryan moved, while Jimmy watched intently as if committing the patterns to memory.
Smith, on the other hand, had a less disciplined approach. "You do realize normal people just study, right?" he quipped one morning, yawning as he sat on the porch with a textbook in hand. "You're training like we're preparing for war."
Aryan grinned but didn't stop moving. "It's not just the exam. It's about being ready for everything that comes after."
Smith rolled his eyes but didn't argue. "You know, sometimes I wonder if you're aiming for IPS or superhero status."
Despite the banter, Smith joined Aryan for evening runs. It was during these sessions that Aryan truly felt the difference. His stamina had increased exponentially, his body moving with an ease that hadn't existed months ago. He pushed harder, running further each day, and Smith, though panting behind him, kept pace.
One evening, after an intense session, Smith collapsed onto the grass, breathing heavily. "I swear," he gasped, "I'm going to lodge a complaint with the IPS board. They need to test for superhuman endurance because you've definitely got an unfair advantage."
Aryan chuckled, offering Smith a bottle of water. "You're keeping up, aren't you?"
"Barely. But I'm pretty sure my lungs filed for retirement two kilometers ago."
The neighborhood began noticing. Children gathered at the edge of the park to watch Timmy's majestic flights as Aryan sparred with invisible opponents in the grass. Occasionally, a curious passerby would ask about the eagle, and Aryan would simply smile and say, "He's family."
But even amidst the physical training, Aryan's real battlefield was at the study table. Hours melted away as he pored over books and notes, Aditi occasionally dropping by to quiz him on topics or offer quiet words of encouragement.
"I don't remember Appa studying like this," she said one evening, placing tea beside him.
"Appa had experience. I'm still catching up," Aryan replied, his gaze unwavering from the dense legal text in front of him.
Aditi leaned against the table, arms crossed. "You're doing more than catching up. You're pushing yourself harder than I've seen anyone do. Don't forget to breathe once in a while."
He smiled softly, grateful for her concern but unwilling to ease his pace.
Sometimes, during late-night study sessions, Aryan found himself reflecting on his father's words from childhood. Lessons about integrity, perseverance, and responsibility resurfaced, weaving into his determination. There were nights he imagined his father sitting across from him, nodding in silent approval.
By night, Aryan often found himself on the balcony, gazing at the stars as Timmy roosted on the railing beside him. Jimmy curled at his feet, his fur faintly glowing in the moonlight, as if the energy coursing through Aryan was beginning to spill over into those closest to him. There was comfort in the silence, in the quiet pulse of life around him.
The weeks passed, and small milestones began stacking up. Aryan's mock tests saw near-perfect scores, his mental clarity sharper than ever. Smith, too, was improving, albeit at a slower pace.
One evening, Smith sat back after grading his latest practice test. "I don't know what's in your blood, Aryan, but it's not human," he joked. "Maybe I need to sleep next to Timmy. He's clearly rubbing off on you."
Aryan chuckled. "You're doing fine, Smith. We both know this isn't just about exams. We're setting the foundation for everything that comes next."
Their study sessions often drifted into deeper conversations. One night, as the city slept, Smith glanced up from his notes and asked, "Do you think you'll ever tell people about what's happening to you?"
Aryan paused, the question hanging in the air. "Not yet," he said carefully. "The fewer who know, the safer it is. For everyone."
Smith nodded. "Well, you know I'm with you. Even if you start glowing in the dark."
There were moments Aryan wondered if the energy within him was too dangerous. Once, during a sparring session, he felt his strength surge uncontrollably. The wooden practice staff he held splintered in his grip, and Timmy, watching from above, let out a warning screech.
Smith stared at the fragments. "Okay… that's...i don't know what to say."
Aryan exhaled slowly, willing the energy back under control. "I need to manage it better."
"You think?" Smith smirked but quickly softened his tone. "You've got this, Aryan. Just… don't overdo it."
As the days edged closer to the preliminary exams, Aryan felt the weight of expectation shift subtly. It wasn't just about him anymore. It was about his family, his friends, and the legacy his father had left behind. The fire in his chest burned brighter, steadied by the unwavering support surrounding him.
On the eve of the exam, Aryan stood by the window, gazing at the city lights. Aditi joined him, sipping tea. "Tomorrow's a big day," she said softly.
"It is." Aryan's voice was calm, but inside, anticipation stirred.
Aditi nudged his shoulder gently. "You're ready. More ready than anyone I know."
He glanced at her, a flicker of warmth in his eyes. "I hope so. It feels like everything has been leading up to this."
"Because it has," Aditi replied. "And no matter what happens, we'll be here. You're not alone, Arya."
The reassurance settled something deep within him. As the stars stretched across the sky, Aryan felt the gravity of the moment but also the quiet certainty that he was exactly where he needed to be.
Tomorrow, a new step awaited. And he was ready to take it.