Anika looked at the anklet rubbing her fingers over it. It was Monday and much to her relief no Physical training was set for today as the area was under work. Last night when Dr. Douchebro made her  wear the anklet, she just couldn't take it off. Reason, she don't know! His words always sends a wave of unknown emotions in her which she is not able to decode. One thing she is sure about is that their equation is no more of a senior and junior. Things have changed for sure but what she don't know? She don't even want to know?  She is happy with what she have, she don't want it to change. She don't want to perceive anything and later hurt herself. What she and Dr. Douchebro have between is beautiful even if unknown and that's more than enough.

Wearing socks and boot over the anklet she left for the hospital holding her cap. Omkara joined her in a bit as both of them went together. Saluting all the senior in the way and nodding at the junior she settled on her desk while Om went to open the various departments then assist to the surgeries. Anika didn't had the task of attending surgeries for now since she still had lot of work load regarding the ophthalmologist camp coming end of next month. Also since she had to take the leave after two weeks for the Nanital trip and trekking she had to get done with all this soon.

Time flew as Anika classified the required lens and medicines along with packed bags to get printed. She was visited by Rudra who came complaining that he is 'unemployed' right now and is missing his 'naxalite enemies.'

"Ani these are the fax from Base Hospital Lucknow from where the ophthalmologist camp is coming, get it signed from Commander and give it to Singh it need to be send back today itself. I just have two rowdy school boys with broken  arm to tend to." said Om as he passed Anika a set of papers. Anika nodded still focused on the files in her hand.

It was nearly end of the day when Anika finally remembered about the file Om gave and rushed to get it signed from Commanding Officer only to be informed that he wasn't present. He was not available in the office. She thought to give it to Dr. Douchebro but even he had left for his home. Letting out a frustrated breath she took her Bike and left toward CO's bungalow.

Ringing the bell she was met with the owner of pair of spectral eyes and alluring smile: Dr. Douchebro.

"What a pleasant surprise Ms Roy? So shall I consider myself the reason of your sudden visit?" commented Dr. Doucherbro holding his smug  full alluring smile as he gave her a way to enter. 

Dressed in just an Army tracksuit he managed to slay as always. Even though Anika knew he was just joking she felt it difficult to say that he is not the  reason of her visit. "Actually, I had to get these fax signed from Tej Uncle. It's kinda urgent." trailed off Anika feeling awkward at breaking his words. "Don't worry Ms Roy I was just pulling your leg. Dad is not at home. Told you yesterday he had gone with mom to receive Dadi. Will be back in an hour I just talked to him, till than you can wait and I'll get something for you." gave in Dr. Douchebro.

"No need to bother yourself Dr. Oberoi. I'll just wait." replied Anika earnestly.  She was getting addicted to food made by him. Only she knows how hard it is to refuse such delicacies.

"How many times should I repeat Ms Roy I do love cooking for you!"

And again his sentence left her tongue tied. How can just a simple sentence affect her like this. She wanted to ask him Why do he love cooking for her?What do they have in between? but she just can't. Scared of the outcome of her question she kept her mouth closed while her eyes talked volumes with those spectral one.

The little eye talk was disturbed by Rudra who came running to her like a little kid screaming to the top of his voice. "I missed you Didi, so glad you came." Anika chuckled while Dr. Douchebro moved toward the kitchen. She really can't believe this child like boy ever held a gun in his hand forget about being a commando. It's just his muscular physique that can give up a little proof of his profession.

"It's just two hours ago you met me Rudra." replied Anika laughing as she settled down on the couch. "Dii two hours means 120 minutes which means 7200 seconds. Did you get it seven thousand two hundred seconds!" cried Rudra over-dramatically and Anika couldn't help laughing. Rudra was a full entertainment package!

They were talking when Dr. Douchebro brought a tray full of Bread  pakora, Masala peanuts and Adrak Wali Chai. Did he just cooked everything!!

Now all the jokes of Rudra were going overhead Anika as she felt the aroma reach her nose. "Here you go Ms Roy your favorite Ginger Tea!" said Dr. Douchebro as he passed her a cup of tea. How do he know her favorite? Is he stalking her?

"Don't worry I am not stalking you, Sahil told the other day." explained Dr. Douchebro as he passed a cup of tea to Rudra and took his black coffee. Anika eyes widened wondering how do he always get to know what she is thinking? Does she think so loud?

Anika looked toward the food delicacies only to gulp seeing it arranged so well. The Bread Pakora each in triangular shaped arranged in form of a flower, holding a bright coriander leaf with a small bowl of red sauce and white sprinklers placed in the  center. A paper napkin held each Pakora. The Masala Peanut was arranged in a sinusoidal way in a leaf bowl with coriander and small chili flakes distributed over it faintly. Can someone just disturb this overly-perfect arrangement so that she can just began eating?

And for her relief Rudra did the favor!!

Discussing with Rudra and Dr. Douchebro on the upcoming ICC Cricket world Cup the time passed by when door bell rang and Anika stood up knowing it would be Tej Uncle and Jhanvi Aunty along with the other guest.

Rudra went and opened the door as Tej and Jhanvi walked inside along with a lady in her early sixties. She was quite small in height. Wearing a magenta colored patiala suit, she looked a person who holds power and strong aura. She immediately hugged Rudra kissing his forehead. Grandparent's love something that Anika never got. She can't help but fathom how lucky Dr. Douchebro and Rudra are to have so many people as family.

"Where are lady baba and her mother?" asked Rudra to which Jhanvi replied "First of all stop spoiling her name and secondly they are in other car will reach in an hour. Got caught in traffic."

Dr. Douchebro moved toward his grandmother to touch her feet and much to Anika's surprise she didn't blessed him nor hugged him like she did for Rudra. The smile on everyone's face dropped while Dr. Douchebro looked highly disheartened. The thing which was clear is  that Dr. Douchebro grandmother doesn't have the same warmth for Dr. Douchebro which she have for Rudra.

"How are you Dadi?" asked Dr. Douchebro gulping down his dried throat. The old lady didn't answer him but turned back to Rudra hugging him once again. Giving up a sad smile he excused himself and left toward his room. 

Anika couldn't help the pit forming in her stomach as she saw him leaving through stairs wiping a stray  of tear. "How are you Rudra?" she heard the old lady voice who was still engaged with her younger grandson. "I am Okay.  I have some work will meet you later Dadi."  the answer of Rudra held rudeness as he left behind his brother avoiding  the scolding of his parents. It  was clear that for Rudra it's his brother the first.

 Anika was feeling awkward to be a viewer of this strained moment of family. It was after sometime that Tej acknowledged Anika's presence. "Heyy Anika my child, what a pleasant surprise. Come!" Anika smiled and went to touch Tej and Jhanvi's feet but they hugged her. She then moved toward the old lady and for some strange cause wasn't liking her anymore.

"Mom she is Anika, the girl I told you about."informed Tej as Anika bend to touch her feet. She blessed her warmly. "Stay happy child, Tej told about you. You are really sweet." Anika couldn't  help but wonder when this old lady was so sweet to her than what's wrong in her relationship with Dr. Douchebro.

Shaking out her thoughts she brought the papers she needed to get signed from Tej and sharing pleasantries was leaving when surprising herself she asked "I have some work from Dr. Oberoi Tej Uncle I'll just be back!" Tej nodded and Anika moved toward his room. She was confused why did she lie, she don't have any work with him. 

She met Rudra in between who passed her a smile as she moved toward Dr. Douchebro room.  The door was open and she could see him sitting  on bed hiding his face in between his palms. It was the first time she had come across this vulnerable side of him. She was more use to the alluring smile than the sad depressed one.

She knocked at the door that's when Dr. Douchebro looked up and immediately smiled which Anika by now knew was not his alluring smile she is used to. "Ms Roy? You here? Come!" Anika came inside as he settled his messed hair from his fingers and asked her "Any Work?" This left her tongue tied. Of Course she didn't had any work from him. Even she didn't knew why she came here!! 

"Actually I wanted to ask you, Are you coming for Boxing today evening?" came up Anika and the smile on Dr. Douchebro face brightened up. Anika had no idea why? Why this simple question was enough to get him back in his form.

"Of course Coach!!" with this the alluring smile was back and that infectious smile was soon reflected on her face. "I'll take your leave than." said Anika but none of them moved or replied just stared at each other. Shaking her head she got up to go when she heard his voice 

"I'm looking forward for the evening Ms Roy!"

____________

It was five by when Anika got ready in her sports  leggings, sweatshirt and braided her hairs  on one side plate. Sahil was solving his physics numerical and Anika bid him bye. She waited for Om who came frowning at  the idea of learning boxing when he wasn't even interested but all thanks to Rudra who literally threatened him to drag if he doesn't come on his own.

 They met Rudra and Dr. Douchebro in the gym all set up in their gym T-shirts  and pants. Rudra jumped on Om happy that he came and all the annoyance of Om was long forgotten. He chuckled hugging Rudra tightly. The bond which is just magical!!

Anika shared a smile with Dr. Douchebro who was admiring Om and Rudra's bond and was soon pulled in the hug. Anika can't help to admire the three. Just how well they are bonded by heart.

"Let's start boys, if your bromance is over!!" teased Anika as all of them looked finally at her  laughing. Om and Dr. Douchebro got their boxing gloves and stood beside each of the punching bags.

"So how should we begin?" asked Om all excited and punched straightway into the punching bag only to get hit by it as it came back and fall down. Everyone burst out laughing while Om frowned "If you are done laughing can we begin!!" 

Calming down herself Anika begin "First there is a proper boxing stance. Put your Front toe and back heal on the white line. Right hand at back. Now distribute the weight evenly on both the legs and bend the knee slightly."  Anika and Rudra guided Dr. Douchebro and Om.

"Feet diagonal, little wider than shoulder width apart and back heel raised. Put the elbows down while hands up. Head behind your gloves, chin slightly down and eyes should see over the gloves. Now Relax and breathe!"

"Hell man this boxing have a position also." swears Om annoyed highly while Anika replied chuckling "and you have to get back to this position after each attack or defense, so first practice of getting back to this position in a go!"

 Om groaned while Dr. Douchebro practiced for the same. Anika looked at him clearly involved in what he is learning. His each attempt use to be better than the previous one. No doubt he is perfect in everything! And Anika hate it!!

"Next is the basic step drag. Step with the lead foot and drag the rear foot. This stepping and dragging boxing footwork technique ensures that your weight is grounded and always ready to attack or defend. It also prevents you from walking or crossing your feet which can make you fall off balance. To go forward or left, step with your left foot first and then drag the right foot after. To go backward or right, step with your right foot first and then drag the left foot after." guided Anika as Dr. Douchebro listened focused but Om was forced by Rudra.

"Now try to finish all steps with your feet at the same distance." It was Rudra this time and both Om and Dr. Douchebro begin their practice. He ensured to keep his feet distance same. Although it was difficult in the beginning but he got hold of it soon. They were finally able to get hold of it after good half an hour.

"The next most important boxing footwork technique you'll need is the pivot. It's usually done by pivoting off your front foot. You can use it defensively to avoid attacks, or offensively to find new punching angles. A pivot can be useful for counter-punching by taking you out of harm's way and still keep you in range to throw counter punches. First  Pivot clockwise by swinging your right foot and letting your body pivot over the left foot." gave Anika and Dr. Douchebro begin as guided while Om frowned "when will we start punching??"

"Position and footwork is important O otherwise you would be knock out just like you were in the starting." teased Rudra only to receive a playful punch from Om. After another half an hour they were finally able to get a bit hold of Pivot while by now Om was tired and sat down complaining "I am done for now, too tired!!"

"Come-on Om we haven't even began punching!!" said the ever-charged, revital ambassador and walking chawan prash box Dr. Douchebro!!

"I'll first get juice for all of us from the canteen then start ahead." declared Om as he left toward the wet canteen of Army followed by Rudra leaving Dr. Douchebro and Anika alone. "Can we begin I really want to learn some punching today?" asked Dr. Douchebro and Anika nodded before going toward him.

"Throwing punches is simply the act of being relaxed, then quickly accelerating your hand towards the target as you exhale sharply. You tighten your fist at the moment of impact and then relax the hand to throw more punches. The trick is to utilize your entire body weight behind the punch without falling off balance.For a beginner, the most important thing is to learn the proper punching form. Later on, you will be able to throw many different variations of punches from different positions and develop your own punching technique to fit your style." informed Anika as she picked up gloves that were earlier worn by Om and gave a cross punch on the punching bag sending it in a circular path and blocked it with both the arms as it came back.

"Wow that was cool!!" appreciated Dr. Douchebro and Anika flushed, bad at handling the compliments. He was going to put up his first punch when Anika stopped him.

"Not like this Dr. Oberoi, It will knock you out.Elbow a bit upward."  hesitatingly she held his hand as she felt him relaxing under her touch leaving a deep breath. 

He showed his first punch but didn't reacted the second time and was going to be hit by the punching bag which was on time held by Anika.

"Dr. Oberoi you can't stop by a single punch. Either you have to attack again or defend." gave in Anika as he practiced again and this time held it the second time. He continued his practice and Anika watched him standing beside him. She couldn't help herself before asking "You never get tired right? Always ever-charged. How?!!" He smiled at her then coming a step forward toward her rubbed the tip of the boxing gloves in the corner of her lips lifting it up in a smile.

"This is my source of Vibrancy!!"