Six months of exhausting days and sleepless nights had finally come to an end. Today was the day, I would be appearing for the TNUSRB exam. Thankfully, the exam center was a college close to my home.
I had prepared well over these months and the guidance and inputs I received from people around me had helped immensely.
I got ready in a salwar and stepped out of my home. Arjun was waiting at his usual spot. I passed him a small smile and tried to walk past, but he stopped me.
“All the very best, Meera. I know you’ll ace this exam. I can’t wait to see you in the uniform. Good luck,” he said warmly. He glanced at his bike and scratched his eyebrow, a silent question, asking if he could drop me.
I shook my head gently and walked past him. This time he didn’t stop me.
I reached the college and entered the examination hall where my roll number was listed. Everything felt different as I looked around and the faces filled with the same dream, the same hope I carried.
When the question paper was handed to me, I closed my eyes for a brief prayer before opening it. A smile slowly curved my lips as most of the questions felt familiar, straight from the notes I had revised over the past months.
” I hope I clear it in the first attempt” , I thought. I couldn’t afford to fail after all these years of struggle.
I began writing, completely absorbed and unaware of how quickly time slipped away until I was already submitting my answer sheet.
Once outside, I walked to the bus stop and sat there quietly, fidgeting with my fingers. Nervousness crept in despite knowing I had given my best.
What if I don’t pass?
What would I say to the people who believed in me?
A tear slipped from my eye before I could stop it. I quickly wiped it away to steady my breath.
I looked at my hands and then at my legs. I had been training every single day for the selection process. I hadn’t left a single stone unturned in preparing myself to be fit for this post.
I woke up early every morning and ran at the nearby park. After returning from the restaurant, I made sure to work out at home without fail. I was preparing myself physically and mentally for this role.
The results would be out in a month or two and until then, I would have to take my physical training to the next level.
Lost in thought, I felt someone beside me. I turned and was surprised to see Arjun standing there, smiling at me.
“Why are you sad?” he asked gently but I stayed quite.
“Don’t doubt your capability, Meera. You’re going to rock this exam. Now come, let’s go have lunch. I also have something important to discuss with you.” he said and pointed toward an auto parked nearby.
“I know you don’t like riding with me on my bike, so I booked an auto. I’ll follow behind,” he said, already moving toward his bike.
I was too tired to think much, so I got into the auto. We reached a restaurant and ordered food. I sat quietly while Arjun placed a pamphlet and a business card in front of me.
“This is a gym that trains candidates specifically for police selections. I spoke to the trainer and told him that you’ve been running and working out on your own. He said professional training would really help you now. A friend of mine referred him, so he’ll charge only half of what he usually does.” he explained and a small ray of hope bloomed inside me.
I picked up the pamphlet and card and smiled as I read them.
“I’ll go,” I said but then hesitated. “But what about the timing?” I asked him.
“Meera, you’re at a point where you have to choose for your dream. You’ll need to talk to the restaurant manager and see if you can work a normal shift so you can focus on your training. I know it won’t be easy but this is a decision only you can make. I’m ready to support you.” Arjun said firmly.
I realized he was right. This was exactly what Geetha madam had spoken to me about. Now, it was time for me to decide to balance my dream and my job.
“I’ll talk to the manager. Don’t worry. I’ll manage.” I said with quiet determination and Arjun nodded his head, his smile filled with belief.
The food was served and as we began eating, Arjun started speaking about the trainer, his methods, his discipline and the professionalism with which he handled the candidates. I listened carefully, absorbing every detail and soon the conversation grew intense, filled with observations and opinions.
At some point, Arjun seemed to realize how deeply we were immersed in the discussion. Our expressions had turned serious, our voices measured and focused. Sensing the shift in mood, he suddenly steered the conversation in a different direction.
With an easy smile, he began cracking jokes, narrating amusing incidents from his office, quirky colleagues, awkward meetings and moments that had gone hilariously wrong. Laughter slowly replaced the heaviness at the table and the earlier seriousness melted away as the atmosphere turned light and warm once again.
Once we were done with lunch, I decided not to waste any time and head straight to the trainer’s gym. With very little time on hand, delaying the meeting didn’t feel like an option. I informed Arjun of my plan and he immediately appreciated the idea, agreeing that it was best to act quickly.
I hailed an auto and got in, giving the driver the address, while Arjun started his bike and followed close behind.
We arrived at the gym and Arjun shook hand with the trainer before he introduced me to him. The trainer patiently explained everything that would be expected of me during the physical fitness test. As he spoke, I realized just how serious and demanding this journey was. A quiet gratitude filled my heart and I thanked Arjun for guiding me at the right time.
I paid the fee and agreed to begin training from the very next day. We left the gym soon after and I thanked Arjun once again.
I arrived at the restaurant and took a long breathe to calm my mind.
“This is going to be really tough,” I thought.
The manager had already supported me more than I could have ever asked for. Going before him once again to request further flexibility felt overwhelming. Still, I knew I had no other choice.
This dream was worth every difficult conversation.
I explained everything to the manager. He took a long breath and asked me to continue with my work, saying we would discuss it after the shift or the next day. I nodded and returned to work, but my mind was in complete chaos. I had no idea what decision he would make. At this point, he could even fire me.
Pushing my restlessness aside, I focused on my duties.
At the end of my shift, he called me into his office. I stood there, fidgeting with my fingers.
“Meera, you have been a very dedicated staff member. I have closely observed your skills and your passion for your dreams. have supported you in every way possible but now we are nearing the point where you will leave this job once you are selected. We can expect you to continue working until the exam results are out and in the meantime, we will need to find a replacement.” he said calmly and paused before continuing.
“So, from tomorrow, you will work the 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. shift. Once the results are announced, I suggest you continue as a part-time staff. I will pay you based on the hours you work. This is the maximum support I can offer.” he said and a smile spread across my face.
“I understand, sir. I’m confident I’ll clear the exam and I won’t be able to continue regular shifts after that. I accept your offer. From tomorrow, I’ll work the 8 to 6 shift. Thank you so much, sir. You’ve supported me more than I could ever ask for over these years.” I replied.
He nodded with a smile and I left the office with a lighter heart.
When I returned home, I saw Arjun waiting for me.
“You met me in the afternoon Arjun so why do you wait now ? ” I asked him.
He chuckled. “I wanted to know if you spoke to him.”
I explained everything and he nodded thoughtfully.
“Practically, he couldn’t have done more than this. He’s right from his point of view. Don’t worry, I know you’ll manage,” he said before taking his leave.
I changed into my nightwear and called Akash. I told him that I wouldn’t be able to support the family financially for some time. He understood immediately and assured me that he would take care of everything, encouraging me to pursue my dreams without guilt. He even offered to help me financially, but I refused.
I would manage on my own.
The next morning, I reached the gym just as the sun was rising. The place was already alive, whistles blowing, firm commands echoing and the sound of running shoes hitting the ground. A few trainees were warming up, their faces filled with focus and determination. Watching them made my heart race but not out of fear. It reminded me why I was here.
The trainer noticed me and nodded. “You’re on time. That’s a good start,” he said.
He began by explaining the basics, discipline, consistency and patience. He told me that strength would come later, but first, my body had to learn to endure. I listened carefully as he guided me through warm-up stretches, breathing techniques and posture correction.
Then the real training began.
Jogging laps, high knees, jumping jacks, squats, push-ups, planks, each exercise pushed me further than I had ever gone before. The trainer corrected my form constantly.
“Don’t rush. Build stamina first. Your body will fight you in the beginning. Let it.” he said.
Within minutes, sweat drenched me. My legs felt heavy, my arms burned and my lungs felt like they were on fire. Every muscle begged me to stop but I didn’t. Every time I felt like giving up, I reminded myself of the uniform I dreamed of wearing and the life I wanted to build.
After nearly two hours, the trainer finally stopped the session.
“This is just the basics. Tomorrow will be harder.” he said and I nodded, even though my body was already screaming.
As I stepped out of the gym, the pain truly set in. My legs felt stiff, my shoulders ached, and even lifting my arms felt impossible. Every step hurt and I realized how much tougher professional training was compared to working out on my own.
Still, beneath all the pain, there was a strange sense of satisfaction.
“This pain means I’ve begun”, I told myself.
I took a deep breath, ignored the ache as best as I could and walked forward knowing this was only the first day and I was ready for whatever came next.
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A/N:
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