The Promotion - Chapter 21 - The Training - part 1 of 2

 

Chapter 21  

The Training - part 1 of 2

As the morning sun blazed in its full glory already at 8AM, I stuffed mouthfuls of the reheated delicious biriyani from Saroja’s dinner the previous night half-listening to the News. The TRP oriented ‘News Industry’ sensationalising everything. Today’s fodder involved trying to work up a controversy on how ‘dangerous’ the pizza-delivery men have become, after a silly accident where a pizza deliver rammed into a stray dog on the road. 3 people from the screens all at the same time were vomiting their vendettas in the name of ‘opinions’ taking and exchanging sides - ranging from the stray dogs problem in the city, to the carless driving of these newly named ‘delivery-devils’. Turning the TV off, in disgust, cursing the whole lot ‘Morons’, I quickly finished the breakfast.

Dashed to the wardrobe to pull out the belt, securing it quickly on to the loops of the primly clad uniform, satisfied with ‘everything’ after a quick double-check at the mirror, I promptly stepped out of the house dawning the Helmet, started the bike, looking forward to the trip to the Training academy. Its an hour’s ride away from the city and a secluded area that is shared between the various forces for the various training sessions.

It was a while since I had such long rides, but it took my mind off the mischief from Uncle the evening before. I felt quite bad, since earlier in the morning, the call that woke me up 10 minutes before the scheduled Alarm was from Ravi, my hubby. It’s been a full 3 days since I left home and he was calling to enquire if I am alright and his tone, full of caring and sincerity, apologised for being so rude and just a plain dickhead to me while I was there. It felt good to hear him say that, while I initially responded cagily, in the end I caved in, unable to stay angry at him any longer especially I hadn’t been Miss Virtuous either, by being on the adventure ride with Panda and now latest spike in excitement at the mischievous hands of uncle the night before! I was in no position to take any high moral stand against Ravi, even though he wasn’t exactly a fire-cracker in bed and wasn’t ‘lighting’ me up every time he touched me.

My subdued response actually surprised him and he asked me suspiciously, ‘Is everything alright Vandumaaa?’ as he was expecting me to explode fighting. I ended the call shortly after, promising to call later and also to visit again soon, once am back from the official trip with the minister. He seemed happy and convinced, momentarily and didn’t seem to suspect anything. But, yes. The Long bike ride has taken my mind off these unnecessary distractions and eventually as I reached the destination, a smile automatically formed onto my face as I locked the bike. Looking at the entrance, pushing the chest out, brimming with pride, full of aspirations to progress, I walked up to it. The old board that had almost lost all its paint and rusting from all sides that read ‘Officers Training Academy’ seem to me like the most beautiful thing there was in the world at that moment.

As I walked to the entrance, the Gurkha asked me to sign the register and saluted me with respect. I asked him for Major Srikanth’s office and he grew into a big smile and explained, ‘Oh Madamji, he has just retired last week. But you can still find him in his residence quarters’ and pointed me to the buildings at the far corner, away from the imposing main building that was facing us. Confused a bit at first and reaffirming the details from that genial and helpful sentry, I thanked him and swiftly walked to the old cottage at the far corner.

Reaching the old building, I knocked the door and an extremely fit, agile and able-bodied man with only indication of age being his neatly trimmed silver hair, presented himself with a big smile. Patting me on my shoulder with a practised ease and looking at me in delight as if I am his old school bestie, almost dragged me inside his house with his big laughter as he boomed, ‘Vandana, I presume dear?’ With his accent sounding clipped and posh, added the intrigue factor for me as I nodded bobbing my head gently, feeling his massive paw rubbing my back gently.

‘Take a seat dear’ pointing me to the wooden chair at his office desk and walked across to his cabinet to pull out my file. Dressed in loose white cotton shirt, liberally showing his chest hair as the first 2 buttons were carelessly undone, accompanied by a loose pair of khaki shorts with plenty of pockets everywhere, walking around barefoot, he really looked the part of some dude chilling out on his holidays. He carried himself with an elegant ease. I was too spellbound, taking him all in, looking at him in awe, as he pulled up his chair and sat next to me. As he opened the file with a smile. ‘We don’t get very many beautiful officers here like you dear. Pardon my politically inappropriate language and actions, as I am sure you’ve noticed by now, I am an old fella from your father’s generation’ he said that with a big smile and patted my back genially as I managed to laugh and nod.

‘Hope you don’t mind?’, not waiting for my confirmation, he took his time to pick up and re-light his half smoked and put out cigar and pulled back the file to review my details again, but his shift in focus was amazing, all of a sudden his eyes zoned in on the file and he was so focussed until he was done reading every little section of all 4 pages taking his time, forgetting all else. Finally putting the file away he turned to look at me bellowing another huge puff of smoke, taking a hearty drag of that killer stick.

Normally my training candidates stand in front of me in attention, he said with a glint in his eyes. Confused a bit, as he was the one who told me to sit at first, but knowing better than that to argue, I instantly stood up right, in attention right next to him and announced myself in a loud voice, ‘Inspector Vandana, reporting sir!’ Not even looking at me, with the years of practiced ease, he shuffled around the papers yet again and folding, putting the file away - ‘Officer, you are a Karate Black belt, it says here. Can you blow a candle with a punch for me?’

Still standing stiff in attention, I thought he was joking, but he was dead-serious. I barked back looking at the walls past him, ‘Yes Sir. I sure can sir!’ , Not stopping a beat, ‘Oh that would be too easy girl, I want 2 candles on a line from 2 feet away, can you manage that?’ stiffening up, biting my lips I nodded, ‘Yes sir, I can Try sir’ trying my best to mask the concern growing within.

Slowly a smile erupting his hardened lips as he gestured me, ‘at ease girl’ and as I relaxed he brought his hand around my waist, pulled me closer and in the process giving the left hip a good squeeze over my hip and before my mind had thought of any words to protest he let go of me looking up, ‘Its not common to find this unusual combination of beauty with brains and muscle, all in one package dear! As I said earlier, I am an old timer, Don’t take my comments to heart. Its an honest compliment’ he said while quickly patting my back in appreciation but while he brought his hand down, his fingers chose a detour to trace my butt crack along the way out. Reflexively I stiffened, clenching my butt cheeks and squealed a ‘SSSSSSssiirrrrrr!, Pleaaaasse Noooo!!!!’ and shaking my head in disdain I pushed his hand away with mine, even as I felt his fingers feeling up my crack - squirming away! He guffawed aloud, putting his cigar away back in the tray ‘Hahaaa, I don’t remember asking you back in attention Officer!!’

I stood annoyed and embarrassed face, my cheeks burning red, at this “college-style ragging” he was subjecting me to - as I pondered if I should tell him to restrain his ‘touchy-feely enthusiasm’! He patted my shoulder signalling me to sit, good-naturedly, announcing, ‘I need to amend my earlier compliment dear, a Shy and angry beauty with brains and muscles you are!’ and laughed even more, as I protested, ‘SIRRRRR! That’s enough please!’ shaking my head quite annoyed.

Completely ignoring me, he stood up and disappeared into the kitchen and came back in a minute with two Candles and took his time to light them up on the table next to each other. With sudden seriousness showing me the 2 feet mark, he instructed, ‘Ok Stand here. Time for you to show your blow-job skills girl.’ with that curious smile focussed on the candle, ignoring eye-contact as he delivered that cheap shot. Despite everything, As I heard that dirty reference, I shook my head, simply unable to keep up with his pace!! My emotions were in wild rollercoaster already, as I was poked and prodded one moment and the next I am here trying to perform a move requiring full focus and expertise. With nothing to lose, I closed my eyes and took my own time, breathing deeper a few times, prepared myself mentally as I stood in stance. Opened my eyes to focus on the candles. Major was drilling me through chewing his cigar, but also with focus and concentration, any trace of playfulness he showed earlier had evaporated from within him.

Though putting off one chandle is simple enough move, I hadn’t really practiced ever with 2 of them and at this distance afar too. I wasn’t sure if it would work, but having got nothing to lose, I decided to go for it with all the concentration and energy. Moving back, taking position, taking a few more deep breaths, when I felt ready, I delivered a typical karate punch in the air, accurately from a distance of 2 feet, focussing all my energy on to the candles with a big scream of ‘Eeeeeyaaaaaaahhhh’!

The candle to the left blew out immediately but even as I watched with a pounding heart, the one on the right flickered briefly but eventually had snuffed too!! There was a pin drop silence for several moments after that as we both stared at the tiny stream of smoke that came out of the blown out candles. Finally I heard his voice from miles away, ‘REMARKABLE DEAR’ . I slowly pulled myself back out of ‘the zone’, back into the reality, as the major stood up, tossed the cigar back in the tray and came up to give me a big hug. ‘Darn!!! That was quite remarkable dear. That was quite something! You have everything that it takes, to become a gradeA sniper’

This time, there was not naughty intent in his hug and he was truly impressed by what he saw and it was a gracious appreciation from him and needless to say, I was chuffed too and welling with pride. Truth be said, I was discovering myself there, till then I didn’t know I could do that. As he was releasing me, his hands slid down to my sides, still on my hips, just over my belt, holding me still, his naughty grin returning, as his fingers ran along my belt, ‘That Black belt of yours I am sure has complemented very well this police issue belt dear!’ he chuckled as one of his fingers slid under the belt at the side and gave it a playful tug.

My mind still reeling with that karate punch, as I managed a warm smile and a ‘Thank you sir’, gently pushing his hands off my belt from both sides. Looking right into my eyes, up close, grinning bigger, as I pushed his hands away from me he suddenly brought them around behind me, grabbing both my butt cheeks and gave a good squeeze! I squealed a protest with a ‘SIRRRRRRRRRR!!! ’ standing in tip toes, holding his hands with mine, shaking my head in disapproval, asking him to stop with my gestures! Not in any rush to let go, continuing to squeeze, not in the least bit bothered by my squirms, letting his right hand fingers slide along my butt crevice, pointedly enjoying my embarrassment registering on my face, he announced in a serious tone, ‘Not only are you gifted with these beautiful globes here, but the brains, the talent and the burning ambition to match it up dear!’

As I stood on tip toes with my chest upright, butt clenched, with both my hands behind me in an attempt to stop his BIG hands busy familiarising with every inch of the contour of my butt-cheeks, both my tits squished properly on to his chest and from up close I could literally smell the stale-sweet tobacco odour from his mouth.

Finally, releasing me with a comment, ‘You’d be a liar if you said you didn’t enjoy that even one bit!’ Shaking my head, still red-cheeked I turned around to step away from him and was presented with a loud SLAP on to my left butt cheek. With a chuckle he whispered ‘I am NOT your Inspector Pandian. This may have reminded him of you but Don’t compare him with me.’ as I stood there in stunned silence to those words.

SIT, I heard his voice from behind me. I was still recoiling from what I heard, in surprise. At the intimate details he knew of me. I am sure there was no mention of Pandian’s misbehaviour in my public access record. There was not a second of dull moment for me yet with the Major, as I slowly sat in the chair, rubbing my stinging bum with my hand. This Major obviously is oozing tonnes of charm, self-assured confidence and can clearly see from his words, someone who knows exactly what they are doing and what they are talking about. Just as I was about to speak, he raised his arm to shut me off, ‘are you going to ask me how I knew about Pandian?’ I slumped back in the chair nodding vaguely, wondering how I became so predictable! It almost seemed like a real life puppet show with him the puppet master, pulling my strings! Somehow, try as I may, I seem completely spellbound in his presence and felt utterly powerless to resist!

He reached for his cigar back and taking a big puff and putting it away, announcing proudly - ‘a proper cuban one! none of this low quality stuff’ pointing to that burning stick and putting it away, ‘I have just retired dear last week, but holding the fort until Major Arun could join the posting next month. Normally candidates with political recommendations aren’t the brightest but you are good enough to be warranted the much sought after “training spot” purely by merit. You are extraordinarily talented, motivated and focused, I can see. Also the icing on the cake is you are not hot headed and somewhat accommodating too, where pragmatism would allow. Isn’t it dear?’ he said chuckling, looking deep into my eyes. That probing look and the very direct yet completely accurate appraisal of me, made me squirm uneasily! ‘Are you feeling a mix of pride and shame in hearing these words?’ he paused, looked satisfied, as I nodded in acknowledgement. I’ve never felt so bare and exposed in my life as I sat chewing my lips looking down at his hairy calf and his off-white Nike Shoes.

Observing me intently, allowing a few moments for my thoughts to linger, he carried on, ‘ There’s nothing wrong in creating opportunities for oneself dear, as long as you know your boundaries! Now, lets do your induction’, abruptly switching topic, pulling his chair closer to me, grabbing the neatly laid out material at his desk and he started explaining, with a premise. ‘I’d usually do this in front of a packed squad of elite Jawans who thank their lucky stars to be part of the camp, but as I said dear, you are equally special and deserve every bit of it. I saw your rifle school records, but I guarantee you, this is totally next level’ and smiled at my stunned look and with a gentle nod, carried on. Ever since I stepped into his quaint old cottage, I’d been on the edge and nervy the whole time, but as soon as he started his lecture it was a whole different thing indeed. It was like teleported to another realm, literally!

The next hour and half was so completely immersive and it flew by with him imparting his deeply ingrained wisdom with so much passion and involvement and me soaking it all in, with rapt attention like a sponge! He covered the broad scope ranging from the ‘need’ for the Snipers in first place, covering the political aspects to the armed combat missions and switching seamlessly into the scope rifles and the theory behind them and what is expected of them in the course , what will be taught etc. That was the best 90 minutes thus far in my life and he elevated my expectations with his inviting delivery that i couldn’t wait to get my hands on one.

After the lecture session, he stood up, stretched and walked to his kitchen calling out ‘Lets have a Tea break!’ and hearing my footsteps follow, he asked me, ‘Do you cook much?’ I giggled and admitted honestly, ‘No sir, very rarely do. I have a legend called Saroja whose cooking is divine.’ He chuckled nodding, ‘figured as much! someone so ambitious like you won’t want to waste time in such mundane activities’, he said turning the kettle on and pointing to the cupboard opposite, ‘fetch us the cups’.

As I returned back with the cups, he was peering out of the kitchen window, ‘hmm.. this doesn’t look good, the dark clouds looming.’ He looked back at me pouring the hot water over the tea bags, with a concerned look, ‘Are you sure Vandana, you want to do your hands on today? Rain automatically increases the level of difficulty to the target, as you may well know’ As I leaned forwards against the kitchen counter to peer closer at the window, to see for my self. He came up right behind me and in a low voice ,’ The view outside the window doesn’t look good isn’t it?’ as he said, his left hand slipped down and his fingers slowly traced my butt crevice that was so conveniently jutting out, as I has been standing pushing my hips against the kitchen counter!! ‘Oh but the view right here is a CRACKING dear!’ he said laughing aloud as his fingers traced my butt crack over the trouser!!

I began nodding in response, but found myself let out a BIG SHRIEK as I impulsively clenched my butt cheeks and Jerked wildly and jumped away, screaming, ‘Siiiiirrrrr ppll..eaaaseee…. Stop STOP THAT hhaaha ,.. NO.. don’t… pleasee…!!! ’ and stood squirming a couple of feet away from him, unable to face him, feeling all embarrassed and red unsure of whether to yell at him or reprimand him and in this case unable to do either of it.. stood there stunned in shock and shyness. ‘Dear Oh dear! You’re delightfully sensitive there aren’t you?? haha! and love the way your face goes all red! Am sure you’re secretly proud of those beauty globes you have back there!!!’ and seeing me burn in shame, avoiding eye contact, complaining ‘Siirrrrr! enough! please…’ He laughed out so loud in a big guffaw and immediately came closer to me and gave me a gentle bear hug and letting me go, in a very honest and sincere voice, ‘Sorry Vandana, that was too irresistible, with your booty in such inviting display, even an old goon like me, could not resist’ adding that with a chuckle, ‘please take it as a compliment dear. I have retired already and not much to look forward in my life, except when I come across Sparkling stars like you!’

That silly flattery had actually soothed me as I felt a lot less agitated and embarrassed and finally even managed to look up at him and offer a smile back. He came closer and patted my shoulder with a booming , ‘attagirl’ and turned around announcing, ‘help yourself’ and fetched his mug of tea and went back to the living room. I followed him and sat next to him in the couch and as we sipped the tea, he asked me again, ‘Are you sure dear you want your first session to be challenging already? it looks like its going to rain soon’ I looked at the wall clock behind him and its not even mid morning yet and I have the whole day left for me and I have travelled a long distance to get here and this is too important to start with someone as knowledgeable as him. Without hesitation, I nodded, ‘sure sir. This is very important for me, As long as you are Ok with it, I am all for it sir’ Nodding with a smile, he carried on with some more chit chat and banter as we finished the tea.

He then took me to the Ammunitions station, a short 10 minutes walk. There was no one else there. ‘There is a Parade rehearsal going on this week, hence the academy is deserted’ saying so, he took me to the long range, scope rifles section and on the way stopping to open the door of another locked room. As he did there came in view various other rifles, machine-guns and sub-machine guns placed there neatly. As I looked at it eyes-wide I felt a sharp slap land on my buttocks over my trouser… making me yelp a ‘Sirrrrrr!’ in surprise, rubbing my back. He chuckled in response, ‘We do train our troops on a regular basis on a variety of combat techniques. How many weapons you see there do you recognise? ‘ he asked with the smile intact. Still rubbing my back, smiling back at him I quickly replied pointing at one by one and the more I was answering the more it was his turn to be surprised. ‘Good god GIRL!!!! I was right about you all along!’( and now inevitably another slap landed on my back, though i was more prepared now and moved aside to escape the bulk of the impact, shouting SIRR.. no, please’ with a squeal, showing my protest)… He shook his head still impressed, ‘Good heavens! You have not only done your homework but had gone above and beyond.’ saying he put a hand on my shoulder and gently steered me along to the next room.

Opening the door he lead me inside, ‘This is the purpose of your visit’ with a big dramatic gesture he threw his arms out, presenting 3 rows of sniper rifles stacked there. ‘As you can see, there are 3 different models. As you did so well in identifying the makes in the room before, I let you choose the model of your choice. Normally a total novice will not be allowed any such privileges. Go on!’ I was ‘slapped’ forward again to make my choice and I slowly was becoming ‘Conditioned’ to my bottom being being treated this way. This time I hardly complained or protested!

I jolted forward, closer to those rifles in utter fascination and all that I had been reading about, I am seeing them all for real and I could feel the tiny hair behind my neck raise as a surreal feeling came on about. Trying to decide between the Sig-Sauer and Beretta Scorpio, with a bit of confusion as I touched the Beretta, the big booming voice announced from behind - ‘yes a good wise choice, the light weight Beretta-scorpio. Ideal for a day like this where the weather could pose a challenging element. I am sure you have thoroughly studied about this beauty. I am not going to quiz you more.’

As I nodded, he nonchalantly took the rifle from my hand and for the next 10 minutes gave a detailed low down on the basics, the usage and the caution lecture and handed it to me finally when he looked satisfied that i got everything he said in my head. Picking up a pack of shells he walked out of the room, as we stepped out, he signed the register and locked the room and we stepped out.

It was a good walk to the desolate wastelands at the back of the buildings, that was largely unkempt and some sections cleared, just enough room to walk, through the thorny bushes. After a good 15 min walk, we reached a large clearing and I can see what appeared to be a variety of targets at the distance - some rusted canisters, some mounted target sheets etc at varying distances, several times further away from my ‘comfort zone’ at the police shooting academy.

As I took the scenery in, peering at the targets, squinting my eyes, I felt Major’s hand on my shoulder gently patting, ‘What do you reckon girl?’ and he thrusted the rifle into my hand. I chuckled nervously as a mix of excitement and fear gripped me in. ‘Anything you know about this gun?’ he asked casually.

Taking the rifle again in my hand and scanning it carefully, momentarily ignoring him, tried some basic operations to confirm my theoretical knowledge is aligned with what I have in hand and also it was much lighter than I’d imagined. With a smile, I spoke of everything I know of the model as the Major nodded slowly, his opinion of me growing higher by the second.

Right then… off we go, he announced, cutting me short, off to the post 1 , he pointed to the raised mound ahead of us and as we approached, handed me the binoculars to view the lined up 5 targets of very large bulls-eyes but rather far away. ‘It’s 500m’ he announced. ‘I am sure you can crack this ‘ as he announced he looked at my rear… and I giggled and swiftly moved away from him, ‘Don’t even think about it again sir!!’ laughing (remembering what he did at the kitchen when he said “cracking” before)

With a good natured laugh, he explained the operation of the rifle, just to be sure from his side and let me load it and ordered, ‘take position’ and saw me approach the first cover area arrangement filled with Sandbags around the side and an elevated muddy section resembling a pedestal to mount the rifle.

As I lay down on the ground and mounted the rifle and got ready in my own time, he watched me with interest, knowing full well the mistakes I am making in my stance, stood at a distance allowing me to fail. After I fired the first shot, missing the mark completely and also got a jolt back on my left shoulder during recoil, as I sat up holding my shoulder, he came close to me with a big smile and hand on my shoulder, casually slipping it inside my shirt and giving my sports bra a tug, slipping his hand fully inside, shouting ‘SSHH SSSHH’ arresting my protests as he rubbed my collar bone and the region bit below - seeing me calm a bit, he announced, ‘its really important to increase the blood flow as much and as quickly as possible after such recoil, it may look dull and painless dear for now.. but give it a few mins you will walk back to your bike in search of Iodex’… and which is why we have such Mundane first aid items with us… (saying he pulled a small bottle of it fro his kit bag )

As. I sat, he was administering the shoulder rub squatting by my side and I looked up and thanked him, as I felt his other hand had loosened my first shirt button and even though it wasn’t that painful, I fully believed him when he said to not leave it until later.. and his hand slipped inside the shirt and the bra like before and he generously applied the cream and gently massaged it as I leaned back on the dug out and with a smile and a wink looked at him, ‘Sir, do you also do such a service to all your elite Jawans too?’ and giggled, as it was my turn to get naughty.

He rubbed for a few more seconds with a smile forming on to his lips and when he felt he was satisfied with the medication, he looked up at my face and his mischievous glint returning in his eyes and even as I was wondering ‘What is it going to me now?’ he slipped his hand that was on my collar bone under the already stretched elasticated sports bra and his palm fully wrapped around my naked left breast under the bra as I sat fully upright screaming ‘ SIRRRRRRR!! Stop it NOO!! ’ holding his hand with both my hands. As he came closer to my reddened-cheeks he replied amidst my screams, ‘You see dear, none of the Jawans have such nice assets like you have here’ and with a chuckle and with his thumb and index fingers rubbing right over my nipple to have a feel of it for a second or two, before he let go and pulled his hand out.

Despite the location and the seriousness of it, all his fingering of my backside and now this, I realised that I a slowly working up the wetness down there!! With such thoughts lingering in my mind, I sat up huffing and puffing. As I gathered my breath and composed myself, he sat next to me and said, ‘OK, now time to go through the mistakes from the previous attempt - so we try to at least hit the target at least, if not for he bull’s eye. You need to give me 5 out of 5 to drill the middle of the target, from this close range, before you can move to next level.

As I heard that it somehow felt that it’s going to be a very long afternoon ahead of me!!!