Early the following morning, Brigadier Chandok summoned Cadet Naina Campbell to his office. After receiving permission to enter, Naina knocked on the door and walked in. "Cadet Campbell reporting, sir!" she greeted formally.

"Stand at ease, Cadet," BC said with a nod.

Naina relaxed her stance and focused on him.

"Cadet Campbell, when you first came to this academy, you challenged me. You promised that you would receive the Sword of Honor from my hands, which I would present to you with pride. Seeing your current test results, I am happy to say that I was mistaken that day. You are truly proving yourself and your hard work shows. Not only are you focusing on your classes and training, but you have also made friends with a nice group. I have observed you encouraging other cadets over the past few days. Well done!" BC told her warmly.

"Thank you, sir. But they are my friends, and I would never want my fellow soldiers to fail. I want my group of friends to be known as the best soldiers in the Indian Army," Naina said with determination.

BC smiled, pleased. "That's why I have decided that you and your group of friends will be in charge of tomorrow's functions. Tomorrow is 15th August, our Independence Day. It is KMA's tradition that every year, 1st-year cadets prepare for this day. So, this year, you and your friends will do it. The rest of the first-year cadets will work under you. You're the leader. Lead them all and make this the best Independence Day celebration this academy has ever seen. Got it?"

"I won't let you down, sir!" Naina assured him.

"Good. You're dismissed, Cadet," BC replied.

Naina saluted and left. She joined the rest of her friends and explained what BC had told her. Soon, Subedar Suri arrived with a notice and read it aloud to all the first-year cadets to let them know that Super Six would be in charge of this event, and Naina would lead them all.

....-....

All the cadets were full of enthusiasm as they started preparing for the day. Ali and Alekh were responsible for the food and were assisted by eight other cadets. Pooja and Yudi led the decoration team with thirteen other cadets. Huda was in charge of setting up the programs under Naina's guidance. By the end of the night, everything was ready for the celebration on 15th August.

Since vampires didn't sleep, Naina spent her nights reading books or stories online. That night, she was reading Naveen's diary under her blanket when she heard some strange noises coming from the academy building. Frowning, she snuck out of the hostel and went to the courtyard where the Independence Day celebration would take place the next day. She found Huda burying a time bomb underneath the flag post. Naina frowned and stayed hidden. 

She waited until Huda left before removing the bomb. She made sure the flag post looked undisturbed before she went out. She did everything in high speed as she didn't want to get caught in the CCTV cameras. "Where do I take it? I know nothing about bombs. Should I just take it out of the academy? No! What if it blasts and hurts innocent people? Rajveer sir... yes! He'll know what to do with it." she thought to herself. Rounding the building, Naina went to the same window with which she had previously sneaked into Rajveer's room.  

Urgently, Naina knocked on Rajveer's window. After a few minutes, he moved the curtains and opened the window with bleary eyes. "Cadet Naina?! What are you doing at my window?" he asked, glancing at the clock. "At 1 am?"

Naina showed him the bomb and asked, "Do you have any idea how to defuse it? Or what should one do with it if they DON'T know how to defuse it?"

Rajveer's eyes widened in shock. "That's a time bomb!" he exclaimed.

"Thank you for stating the obvious." Naina stated dryly, "Look, the timer on it says it is scheduled to blast just in time for our flag hosting. Can we do something so that it does NOT explode?" she inquired.

"Yes, of course. I'm coming out, and then you'll tell me where you found it while I defuse it," he ordered, getting ready to head out of the room.

As Naina watched him, she asked, "Rajveer sir, where are you going?"

"I have to get out of the room to get to you, cadet," Rajveer pointed out.

Naina then suggested, "Um... why can't you use this window? It's really convenient to get in and out of your room unnoticed as it has the perfect height." She winced at her blooper when Rajveer raised an eyebrow at her statement.

"Should I ask how you know that?" he asked dryly as he vaulted out of the window and joined her outside.

Feeling sheepish, Naina explained, "You were asking too many questions and showing too much interest in me. I needed to see why you were doing this. Then, I found your photo with Naveen bhaiya, and I realized that you're the Veeru from Bhaiya's 'Veeru Puran'."

"Veeru Puran?" Rajveer asked curiously as he led Naina towards the lake.

"Yeah. Bhaiya used to talk about his Veeru non-stop, so I named it his 'Veeru Puran'," Naina beamed up at him.

Rajveer burst out laughing. "You're quite something, Cadet Naina. I don't know whether to reprimand you or be impressed by you," he said with a smile. "Anyway, where did you get this bomb?" he asked, becoming serious.

"I couldn't sleep, so I snuck out of the hostel to do a final check on the preparations. I went to the courtyard and saw someone rushing out of there. I wanted to follow him, but I needed to know what he was doing there first. I noticed that the flag post looked disturbed, so I checked it and found this bomb buried underneath. I made sure that the flag post looked normal and then I came out with it. I didn't know what to do with it, so I came to you..." she explained, wincing.

"Thank you for trusting me, Cadet," Rajveer told her. After all, if she hadn't trusted him, she would have tried to handle it on her own.

Naina nodded. Reaching the lake, Rajveer started working on the bomb while Naina stood on guard. "I lied to Rajveer sir. I know it was Huda. I can recognize anyone from this academy by their smells. My group and Rajveer sir are the most familiar to me. There is no doubt it's Huda. But why? With the excitement he prepared for tomorrow, he doesn't feel like a traitor. What's his motive behind this act? I don't understand." she thought to herself.

"You okay, Cadet?" Rajveer asked.

Naina nodded, grateful for his concern. "Would you be able to defuse it?" she asked, wanting to distract him from asking about what she was thinking.

"Are you doubting me, Cadet?" Rajveer teased.

Naina grinned. "As I have no knowledge about your abilities, I think I would continue doubting you."

"Why did you come to me then?" Rajveer raised an eyebrow.

"I thought why should I die alone. I should ask you to join me in the afterlife," Naina joked.

Rajveer laughed at her answer. After a while, he sighed in relief. "It's defused," he announced.

"Phew!" Naina exhaled sharply, relieved that it wouldn't hurt anyone anymore. "We should destroy it so that no one can use it or restart it," she suggested.

"We could disassemble it and throw it in the lake," Rajveer suggested.

"Good idea... but we should maybe throw the parts in different sides."

"Hmm... let's do this."

They disassembled the bomb and separated, taking different parts. Once they were done, they met in front of the academy building. "Good night then, Cadet," Rajveer said, waving.

"Good night... and thanks for your help," Naina replied before heading for her hostel.

Rajveer watched as Naina disappeared into the darkness before turning and heading back to his room. As he lay down on his bed, he couldn't help but think about the young cadet who had just saved the entire academy from disaster. He knew that he had to keep an eye on her, as she was clearly a force to be reckoned with.

...-...

...-...

...-...

The next morning, all the programs proceeded without any issues. Naina observed the perplexed expressions on Huda's face, as well as those of Major Nair and Dr. Mishra, during the flag-hosting ceremony. She became suspicious and decided to investigate these two later. After the ceremony ended, everyone went to the special breakfast that Alekh, Ali, and their team had prepared for the day. Naina noticed Huda repeatedly glancing at the flag post.

"Huda, why do you keep looking at the flag post?" she asked nonchalantly.

"What? No, I was just thinking that we should have painted it for this occasion," he lied.

"That's a great idea. We'll do that next time, or we can ask BC for permission. I'm sure he won't mind. After all, we'll only ask to paint it, not put a bomb underneath it," she joked innocently.

Huda looked at her in shock. "Right," he muttered before leaving.

Rajveer, who had been watching the whole conversation, asked Naina in a hushed tone, "Why were you questioning Cadet Huda?"

"Because the flag post was his responsibility. He should have checked its security, which he didn't do. That's why," she replied.

Rajveer looked at her in silence for a moment before commenting, "I just remembered what an expert liar you are," with a knowing expression.

Naina smirked. "Shall we go for breakfast? Alekh and Ali's group worked really hard to make it special." she suggested. Rajveer gestured ahead and they headed to the mess together.

....-....

BC beamed with pride as he saw the hard work and dedication of Alekh and Ali's group in serving breakfast to their fellow cadets. "This looks amazing," he complimented as he took a plate from Ali. "Your food is truly commendable, Cadets!" BC praised them. "You've done an excellent job. Thank you so much for all your hard work."

Naina then spoke up, "Sir, if you don't mind, we actually arranged for a game of antakshari for everyone. We would be honored if you and the rest of our faculty members join us."

Dr. Shalini joined in, "Yes, please sir."

"Alright, since you kids did such a good job, I'll agree to this," BC replied with a smile. The cadets cheered and clapped excitedly at the news. It was clear that they were all looking forward to the game.

Some time later,

All the cadets and faculty members gathered in the courtyard, dividing themselves into four teams due to the large number of participants: first years, second years, final years, and the faculty. Once everyone was seated, Suriji brought out chips, popcorn, and soft drinks for everyone to enjoy. It was decided by the students that the faculty team would start the game, and Suriji began the first round.

"Talvaron pe sar vaar diye

Angaaron mein jism jalaya hai

Tab jaake ke kahin humne sar pe

Yeh kesari rang sajaaya hai

Aye meri zameen afsoss nahi

Jo tere liye sau dard sahe

Mehfooz rahe teri aan sada

Chaahe jaan meri yeh rahe na rahe

Aye meri zameen mehboob meri

meri nass nass mein tera ishq bahe

Pheeka na pade kabhi rang tera 

Jismon se nikal ke khoon kahe

Teri mitti mein mill jawaan

Gul banke main khill jawaan

Itni si hai dil ki aarzoo

Teri nadiyon mein beh jawaan

Teri kheton mein lehrawaan

Itni si hai dil ki aarzoo

Wo o..."

[Upon swords, we laid our heads 

In fiery embers, our bodies burned 

Only then did we adorn our heads 

With the color of saffron hue

Oh, my land, there is no regret 

For enduring a hundred pains for you 

May your honor remain preserved forever 

Even if my life may or may not endure

Oh, my beloved land 

Your love flows in every vein of mine 

May your colors never fade 

Let the blood speak, leaving our bodies

I blend into your soil 

Blossoming as a flower 

Such is the desire of my heart 

To flow in your rivers

To sway in your fields 

Such is the desire of my heart 

Wo o..."]

Brigadier started singing the next part.

"Sarson se bhare khalihaan mere

Jahaan jhoom ke bhagra paa na saka

Aabad rahe woh gaaon mera

Jahaan laut ke wapas jaa na saka

Ho watna ve, mere watna ve

Tera mera pyar nirala tha

Kurbaan hua teri asmat pe

Main kitna naseebon wala tha

Teri mitti mein mill jawaan

Gul banke main khill jawaan

Itni si hai dil ki aarzoo

Teri nadiyon mein beh jawaan

Teri kheton mein lehrawaan

Itni si hai dil ki aarzoo"

[My barren fields filled with mustard crops 

Where I couldn't dance to the beats of Bhangra 

May my village prosper forever 

Where I couldn't return back

Oh my homeland, my dear homeland 

Our love was unique and unmatched 

I sacrificed myself for your glory 

How fortunate I was

I blend into your soil 

Blossoming as a flower 

Such is the desire of my heart 

To flow in your rivers

To sway in your fields 

Such is the desire of my heart]

Senior cadets sang next with the letter 'Z'. Then, second year cadets sang next with the letter 'M'.  It was the first year cadets' turn and they had to sing with the letter 'W'.  Pooja started singing the song 'Galat'.

"Warka Hauli Hauli Karke

Palat Ho Reha Ae

Warka Hauli Hauli Karke

Palat Ho Reha Ae

Mainu Lagdae Meri Zindagi Wich

Kujh Galat Ho Reha Ae

Mainu Lagdae Meri Zindagi Wich

Kujh Galat Ho Reha Ae

Ho Kise Hor Da Hona Chaunde Ne

Mainu Jhootha Pauna Chaunde Ne

Main Smajh Gayi Aa Zindagi Cho

Mainu Dhakka Dena Chaunde Ne

Mere Naal Naal Eh Khali Khali

Falak Ro Reha Ae

Mere Naal Naal Eh Khali Khali

Falak Ro Reha Ae

Mainu Lagdae Meri Zindagi Wich

Kujh Galat Ho Reha Ae

Mainu Lagdae Meri Zindagi Wich

Kujh Galat Ho Reha Ae"

[Turning slowly, step by step, 

Everything is changing around me, 

I feel like something is going wrong In my life.

They want someone else, 

They want to deceive me, 

I understand from life, 

They want to push me away.

With me, by my side, 

The empty sky is crying, 

With me, by my side, 

The empty sky is crying, 

I feel like something is going wrong In my life, 

I feel like something is going wrong In my life.]

She had a bitter smile on her face as she sang. Naina realized that she was thinking about her situation with Rohit. Naina placed her hand on Pooja's and gave her a warm smile that told her to not give up.

"Main Waqt Kinna Barbaad Karaan
Jad Bewafa Nu Yaad Karaan
Main Pagal Ajj Vi Har Kamm Nu
Tera Naam Lain Ton Bad Karaan

Raj Raj Main Yaad Teri Wich
Khud Nu Kho Rahi
Main Ajj Vi Dardi Lokkan Ton
Baarish Wich Ro Rahi

Oh Dhokha Mere Naal Haaye
Ab Talak Ho Reha Ae
Dhokha Mere Naal Haaye
Ab Talak Ho Reha Ae

Mainu Lagdae Meri Zindagi Wich
Kujh Galat Ho Reha Ae
Mainu Lagdae Meri Zindagi Wich
Kujh Galat Ho Reha Ae"

[How much time have I wasted, 

Remembering the unfaithful, 

Even today, I crazily 

Take your name after everything.

In the memories of yours, 

I am losing myself, 

Even today, I am crying in the rain 

Away from people.

Oh, betrayal is happening to me 

Until now, 

Betrayal is happening to me, 

Until now.

I feel like something is going wrong 

In my life, 

I feel like something is going wrong 

In my life.]

 The game continued. After two rounds it came back to the faculty's team and they had to sing with the letter 'I'. No one could remember a song that started with this letter. Then Dr. Shalini started singing. Old bitter memories of her abusing ex-husband flashed through her mind as she sang. 

"I was nineteen in a white dress

When you told me I'm your princess

So I played right in to your fantasy

Was your good girl, so I'd sit tight

And if I don't speak, then we can't fight

Looked in the mirror, now I can't believe

I forgot I was a bad bitch, tragic

Breaking all the rules 'cause they were only habits

Cinderella's dead now, casket

You thought the shoe fit but I

(Da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da-da)"

She smirked and continued singing smugly as she remembered that bastard's shocked expression when she threw the divorce papers in his face.

"I forgot I was a bad bitch

Now I'm blowing bubbles in my bath tub

After six hours in the night club

Got my feet up, put the TV on

Probably end up on a rooftop

With some new girls and our shoes off

Might black out and text my mom (hello)

I forgot I was a bad bitch, tragic

Breaking all the rules 'cause they were only habits

Cinderella's dead now, casket

You thought the shoe fit, but I

(Da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da-da)

I forgot I was a bad bitch, tragic

Breaking all the rules 'cause they were only habits

Cinderella's dead now, casket

You thought the shoe fit, but II forgot I was a bad bitch

(Forgot I was a bad bitch, bad bitch, bad bitch)

I forgot I was a bad bitch

(Forgot I was a bad bitch)

(Da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da-da)"

Those who didn't know her story were confused and those who knew a little understood her feeling behind this song. Captain Rajveer had a mild hint about this as he had done background checks on all the faculty members as well. He gave Shalini a kind smile. The game continued and then it came to the first-years cadets' team. They were supposed to sing with the letter 'C'. All the first year cadets started looking at each other as no one could remember a song that starts with 'C'. Suddenly, Naina smiled and started singing looking at all the males, especially the misogynistic ones [i.e. Nair and Huda].

"Could dress up, to get love

But guess what?

I'm never gonna be that girl

Who's living in a Barbie world

Could wake up, and make up, and play dumb

Pretending that I need a boy

Who's gonna treat me like a toy

I know the other girls wanna wear expensive things, like diamond rings

But I don't wanna be the puppet that you're playing on a string

This queen don't need a king" 

she sang the last line looking at BC with a grin.

"Oh, I don't know what you've been told

But this girl right here's gonna rule the world

Yeah, that's where I'm gonna be because I wanna be

No, I don't wanna sit still, look pretty

You get off on your 9 to 5

Dream of picket fences and trophy wives

But no, I'm never gonna be 'cause I don't wanna be

No, I don't wanna sit still look pretty" 

Naina finished the song with a shrug. 

BC laughed out loudly. "Massage received, Cadet Campbell." he said as he recalled their conversation during her interview and his comment on her beauty.

Rajveer gave her a thumbs up discreetly with an amused smile on his face at her song choice. Naina smiled at him it return.

The game continued and it was the last turn. First year cadets were given the chance for the ending song.  Yudi jumped up and started singing, expressing his frustration with his parents.

"Antenna.. (Antenna.. Antenna.. Antenna....)
Frequency.. (Frequency.. Frequency.. Frequency......)

Not catching.. (Not catching.. Not catching.. Not catching.....)
Not matching.. (Not matching.. Not matching.. Not matching.....)
Frequency.. (Frequency.. Frequency.. Frequency......)
Antenna.. (Antenna.. Antenna.. Antenna....)
Frequency.. (Frequency.. Frequency.. Frequency......)

Sapne hamare hai toh

Chasma tumhara kyun lagaye

Sapna hamara hai toh

Rasta bhi hoga na humara

Chalane kaho toh chale

Rukne ko bolo ruk jaye..

Aapke remote pe hume

Nahi chalna gawara..

Baatein karna humari kabhi

Tum jo kaho woh dohrayen

Yahin dil mein chupade

Always dard humara

Chahe jo bhi kahen

Kabhi tum problem samajh na paaye

Kabhi bhule se bhi

Signal pakad na paye kyun humara

Antenna..nahi karta match..Antenna
Antenna..nahi karta catch..Antenna
Antenna..nahi karta match..Antenna
Antenna..nahi karta catch..Antenna.." 

[If the dreams are ours, 

Why do you wear the glasses? 

If the dream is ours, 

Then there will be a path for us too. 

If you say to walk, Tell us to stop, we'll stop. 

We're not willing To be controlled by your remote.

When we talk, 

Repeat what you say, 

The pain is always hidden 

In our hearts. 

No matter what you say, 

Sometimes you can't understand our problems. 

Sometimes, by mistake, 

You can't catch our signal, why is that?]

Yudi shrugged as he sang. A few others cadets also joined him and started singing. Naina smiled softly as she used to feel the same about her parents. Now, she was only left with their memories. She was lucky that her new family wasn't like this.

Huda scratched his head as he remembered his father and the arguments they used to get in about his future. His mother also was always after him... more worried about his career choices than he ever was.  In the end, he had to do what she wanted. After all, he was only here because his mother tricked him into a bet.

"You don't know the frequency
Why can't you just let me be
You don't know the frequency
Why can't you just let me be

Galti humari kya
Jo haan mein haan
Tumhari na milaye..
Badta hi jata hai
Kyun voice ka level tumhara
Dono hi taraf se jo baatein ho
Toh samajh mein aaye..
One way sunenge kyun
Yeh lecture FM tumhara
Mein bhi kharche uthao
Zara kum jo hamari toh chalega..
Mile badle mein uske
Jo hume zyada time tumhara..
Chahe jis frequency pe set
Karke bhi samjhaye..
Kabhi bhule se bhi
Signal pakad na paye kyun humara..

Antenna..nahi karta match..Antenna
Antenna..nahi karta catch..Antenna
Antenna..nahi karta match..Antenna
Antenna..nahi karta catch..Antenna.."

[What's our fault 

If we say yes, 

You don't say no... 

Why does the volume of your voice 

Keep increasing? 

When there are conversations 

From both sides, 

Then we can understand. 

Why do we listen to 

Your one-way lecture on FM? 

I also bear the expenses, 

A little less of mine will do... 

In return, I get 

More of your time. 

No matter on which frequency 

You try to set and explain, 

Sometimes, by mistake, 

You can't catch our signal, why is that?]

Pooja started thinking about her parents' reaction when she told them about her decision to join KMA to look for Rohit. She started singing this part.

"Hum hai jahan
Iss life ki galiyon
Se nikal ke hi
Wahan pahunche ho tum
Toh phir kaho
Har baat jo hum bole
Usse ignore kyun
Karte ho tum..

Kabhi samjho humari
Zara apni bhi hume samjhado
Hai jo beech mein apne
Woh mit jaye farak humara
Chahe jo bhi kahen
Kabhi tum problem samajh na paaye
Kabhi bhule se bhi
Signal pakad na paye kyun humara"

[Where I exist, 

Having come out of the alleys of life, 

And reaching where you are, 

Then tell me, 

Why do you ignore 

Every word I say?

Sometimes understand us, 

Try to understand yourself too, 

What comes between us 

Should fade away, it's our difference, 

No matter what you say, 

Sometimes you don't understand the problem, 

Sometimes, by mistake, 

You can't catch our signal, why is that?]

Then almost all the cadets started singing as they clapped with the beat.

"Antenna..nahi karta match..Antenna
Antenna..nahi karta catch..Antenna
Antenna..nahi karta match..Antenna
Antenna..nahi karta catch..Antenna..

You don't know the frquency
Why can't you just let me be
You don't know the frquency
Why can't you just let me be

Antenna..nahi karta match..antenna
You don't know the frquency
Why can't you just let me be
Antenna..nahi karta catch..antenna
You don't know the frquency
Why can't you just let me be
Antenna.."

As the Antakshari game ended, everyone applauded. Suri ji initiated a bhangra song and invited S.M. Lolita to dance with him in the center. Soon, other cadets and faculty members also joined them. Shalini pulled Rajveer and Ritu towards the center and began dancing. Naina stood a few feet away, watching them with a smile on her face.

Her thoughts drifted to a letter from her brother Naveen, in which he had praised the Independence Day celebrations. Naina looked at Rajveer and wondered if he and his friends danced like this too. The thought of her brother filled her eyes with venom, but before she could dwell on it, she smelled BC approaching her. She pretended to be lost in thought.

"Is everything alright, Cadet Campbell? Why aren't you dancing with your friends?" BC asked kindly.

Pretending to be startled, Naina smiled at him. "I was just thinking about the soldiers who sacrificed everything for us so that we get to celebrate our independence. I was wondering if we're really celebrating our independence or their lives."

BC nodded with a sigh. "Yes, Cadet. This day reminds me of those soldiers who gave their lives for us. And to tell you the truth, we're celebrating both. We celebrate our martyrs along with our independence," he said with a fatherly smile before leaving her.

Naina was left alone with her thoughts. She wondered about those who were considered traitors despite being martyrs. After a moment of contemplation, Naina shook her head, trying to push the thought out of her mind. She didn't want to ruin the festive mood. Instead, she decided to join her friends on the dance floor. As she danced, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the freedom they had and the sacrifices made by those who fought for it.

As the night went on, the music and laughter continued. Eventually, the group started winding down, and Naina found herself sitting alone under a tree, gazing up at the stars. She took a deep breath, enjoying the peaceful moment.

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted as Rajveer approached her. "Hey," he said softly, taking a seat next to her.

"Hey," she replied, turning to look at him.

"I saw you dancing earlier. You looked happy," he said, smiling at her.

Naina returned the smile. "I was. It was nice to forget about everything and just enjoy the moment."

Rajveer nodded. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Sometimes we just need to let go and have fun."

They sat in silence for a few minutes before Rajveer spoke again. "You know, I'm really proud of you. Naveen would've also been really of you. You're doing great here."

Naina felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. "Thanks, Rajveer sir. It means a lot." She told him honestly. Rajveer smiled at her in answer.

...-...

...-...

...-...

A/N:::

Playlist::

Teri Mitti (LYRICS) - Kesari | Akshay Kumar & Parineeti Chopra | Arko | B Praak | Manoj Muntashir

Galat (LYRICS) - Asees Kaur | Rubina Dilaik, Paras Chhabra | Vikas | Raj Fatehpur

EMELINE - cinderella's dead (Lyrics)Antenna lyrics (Always Kabhi Kabhi)

Daya - Sit Still Look Pretty (lyrics)

Antenna lyrics (Always Kabhi Kabhi)